If you are using Microsoft Edge at work, you might soon be unable to send screenshots of web pages to your colleagues or family. Microsoft is introducing new screenshot prevention controls to Edge.
These controls should stop users from sharing sensitive information with competitors, relatives, and journalists. Microsoft explained that “screenshot prevention policies will secure against data theft in the browser by blocking the ability to take screenshots on pages marked as sensitive or protected.”
IT managers will have the ability to label web pages as protected using various Microsoft policy tools such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, Microsoft Intune Mobile Application Management, and Microsoft Purview. This new feature will become available in the next few months. It’s still unclear whether third-party tools will also be prevented from taking screenshots or recording videos.
Additionally, Microsoft will introduce a feature to enforce automatic updates for Edge for Business users. This change will enter a preview phase soon. Microsoft stated, “The Edge management service will enable IT admins to identify devices with outdated Edge instances and at risk. It will also provide controls to mitigate this risk, such as forcing browser restarts to install updates, enabling automatic browser updates, or activating enhanced security mode for additional protection.”
This automatic update initiative is essential, considering the threat of zero-day attacks. However, it remains to be seen if Microsoft can fully prevent screenshots from being taken, as users might still capture them with a smartphone camera.