Any Win10 SmartScreen/canonicalizer.ucsuri.tcs Link?

Hi all

I write from the Land Down Under, Queensland, Brisbane.

I'm currently enjoying a large number of internet outages. For fellow Aussies, I'm with Telstra. Technology = NBN-HFC. Arris CM8200 modem, Sagemcom F@st 5355 router.

Fellow Aussies would suggest the outages are caused by one or more of: NBN upgrades (possible - they've been flagged), Telstra (no further explanation needed), or F@st 5355 router (no further explanation needed).

In the router log, I and others have noted a frequently-appearing Error Message, viz: "DNS name resolution failure (canonicalizer.ucsuri.tcs)"

On a very few places online this connection is discussed, the connection between Windows 10 SmartScreen and canonicalizer.ucsuri.tcs is confirmed but no one is able to say more than that. canonicalizer.ucsuri.tcs is NOT a registered domain.

So, I'm searching for info...

A respondent to a Ten Forums thread (https://www.tenforums.com/antivirus-firewalls-system-security/118347-any-win10-smartscreen-canonical...) I started on this point directed me to a German article: (https://www.gameindustry.de/hints.php). The section on SmartScreen seems to read (my translation - I have some German - based on Google Translate and Collins Online):


Microsoft SmartScreen:

Behind the introduction of SmartScreen as a protective function in Windows against "potential threats" hides a [stupid]* telemetry service. Microsoft SmartScreen turns itself on during each installation of a program and asks the user if he/she really wants to install a program. In the background three addresses activate themselves for this purpose.

1. checkappexec.Microsoft.com
2. t.checkappexec.Microsoft.com
3. canonicalizer.ucsuri.TCS

If something is installed from the Windows Store, the "licensing.mp.microsoft.com" activates itself in addition. While the "licensing" address does make sense in validating product keys, Smartscreen directly [passes on]* recorded data from the user's computer in relation to installation directories, installation time, language settings, what will be installed where, operating system / version, location, unique user ID, settings for created group policies and much more.

These three addresses from Microsoft SmartScreen (besides the mentioned licensing) are also entered in the hosts file and thus prevent unnecessary disclosure of things. A win-win situation for both sides, because in addition to [the host’s] own privacy and Microsoft's server will also be protected.

(Caption to pic)
Microsoft Smartscreen Telemetry

With SmartScreen, Microsoft not only gets a precise insight into folder structures, but can theoretically get an overview of any user interests. [It gets that gratis]* with each click on an exe file being installed.

An excerpt prepared here as a screenshot. Contents vary little for these three addresses listed.

*NOTES:

  • [stupid]. The paragraphs don't seem derisive of Win 10/SmartScreen. So, I'd understand "stupid" here as "simple, unsophisticated"; i.e., the telemetry service is something of a blunt instrument.

  • [passes on]. My interpretation of "SmartScreen gibt ... weiter".

  • [the host's] own (privacy). My interpretation of "eigener (Privatsphäre)".

  • [It gets that gratis]. My best understanding of "Das umsonst ..."


Any additional info - guidance most appreciated.

ausgumbie

Thanks for reply Krusty13.

Got couple of interesting responses at the bottom part of this page (https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2699493#r57438226) - pertains more to HFC, but I pass it on for interest.

Thanks again, and anything you hear please pass on.

ausgumbie

G'day ausgumbie from South of your border.  wink

I have NBN Fixed Wireless and am also with Telstra.  No regular internet outages here lately, thankfully.  I'll have to keep an eye out and check the logs next time I do.

Thanks for the heads-up.  yes