Microsoft Outlook.com Tackles Fraud and Abuse Globally Using Arkose Labs

Find out how Microsoft tackles fraud and abuse across its massive ecosystem. Get the case study to learn from the enterprise-scale approach!

What You’ll Learn

• How major email platforms can stop fake account creation at scale Learn how modern fraud controls identify bots and malicious humans before they can create accounts for phishing, extortion, or spam campaigns.
• How to replace costly SMS verification with more effective, user-friendly authentication Discover why SMS-based verification fails against sophisticated attacker tactics—and how adaptive, in-band challenges improve both security and throughput.
• How long-term abuse prevention protects the broader digital ecosystem Understand how stopping malicious sign-ups upstream prevents large-scale email abuse, protects customer trust, and reduces operational load.

FAQ

How can email providers stop attackers from creating fake accounts for phishing and spam?

Email services can analyze behavioral patterns, device intelligence, and risk signals before an account is fully activated. When suspicious intent is detected, adaptive challenges block bots and malicious humans, preventing fake accounts from being used to send fraudulent or harmful emails.

Why is SMS verification ineffective for preventing fake email accounts?

SMS verification is expensive, slow for users, and easy for attackers to bypass using VOIP numbers, region-hopping, and SMS-interception methods. Advanced fraud prevention tools provide stronger security and better user experience by authenticating directly within the application.

How can platforms improve user experience while increasing security?

By applying friction only to high-risk sessions. Adaptive, visual challenges help good customers authenticate quickly while blocking automated and human-driven abuse. This results in smoother onboarding, fewer support issues, and stronger long-term protection.