Microsoft appears to be getting a lot more serious about online security. A couple of days ago it announced the free Security Essentials for Windows users, and now it’s running a range of public service ads, in collaboration with the FTA, warning against online scams.

It may not tackle Bing’s fake pharmacy ads but these PSAs will pop up in a bid to protect surfers from scam mortgage foreclosure, credit repair and advance fee fraud.

When certain keywords are entered, such as “foreclosure rescue”, “fix my credit” and “money transfer”, PSAs will be displayed that, if clicked on, will redirect either to Microsoft or the FTC.

Given that no operating system is 100% secure, especially Microsoft’s, and the inquisitive nature of surfers often inclines them to click on nefarious links, this education process may help a little. Of course, people have to be using Bing, and we know that most people aren’t.

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4. Yahoo to Microsoft’s offer: No way!
5. Microsoft investigates Xbox Live frauds