Microsoft gets Edge on blocking ad injectors (browser now blocks devious ads, toolbars, crapware)

The Register ^ | Nov 19, 2015 | Darren Pauli

[dayglored]

Web scum foiled in Win 10 net ship.

Microsoft has nixed the ability for its Edge browser to run unsigned dynamic link libraries (DLLs) in a move that will make life hard for dodgy extensions and ad injector merchants.

Edge senior program manager Crispin Cowan says the update was dropped last week in the latest Windows 10 update and follows Redmond's plan to harden its web browsing asset.

Last May Microsoft killed ActiveX and Browser Helper Objects making Edge faster and more stable, Cowan says.

"Web browsers are an attractive target, because in-browser advertisements can be a significant source of revenue," Cowan says.

"Developers who are determined to tamper with the user’s settings may resort to injecting DLLs into the Edge process, bypassing the built-in interfaces for settings controls.

"This is a common reason why some users end up with toolbars installed or third party content injected on pages without their intent or consent."

Cowan says advertising injectors will pull down extra malicious content leading to thorough hosing of browsers and at best an increase in attack surface.

[daniel1212]

Seems like the real story is that Microsoft is following the trend of Firefox and removing features from its browser, removing options that users used to have, because some users are too stupid to figure out how to use them properly.

If you want to punish everyone because the minority can’t help themselves from clicking every link they see, fine, but don’t tell me that it’s an upgrade.

But most of the Firefox extensions work, and if not (like Menu Editor) try Disable Add-on Compatibility Checks :: Add-ons for Firefox

[r_barton]

Who said you only have to use one browser? I have all 4 installed and use what ever one I feel like at the time. Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome and Firefox are all good. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. None is that much better than the other.

[Boogieman]

I wasn’t referring to add-ons, I was referring to core features of Firefox that were present in previous versions, but have now been removed. Specifically, the ability to turn javascript on or off, that used to be a simple button click in the options, but they removed that feature. Now you will either have to install an extension to do that or edit your config files.

[daniel1212]

Who said you only have to use one browser? I have all 4 installed and use what ever one I feel like at the time. Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome and Firefox are all good. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. None is that much better than the other.

Yes, thank God for being able to do that. I have Firefox with multiple profiles (for 64 bit, change your shortcut address to "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" -no-remote -p [with the quotes. For 32 bit leave out the (x86), plus Pale Moon and Chrome, IE and Edge.

[daniel1212]

I wasn’t referring to add-ons, I was referring to core features of Firefox that were present in previous versions, but have now been removed. Specifically, the ability to turn javascript on or off, that used to be a simple button click in the options, but they removed that feature. Now you will either have to install an extension to do that or edit your config files.

I see. Also removing the menu bar by default, in making it like Chrome. But Firefox still is what i think is best overall for power users.