Meh...Nothing too alarming. You could always disable smartscreen. Of course hardcore PC users probably have already done so with or without knowing this tidbit of information. I really wouldn't let that deter your decision to get Windows 8 or not. Especially if you plan on using actual security programs.

Now from a non power user perspective. Yes that is quite alarming. However, not the fact that MS is once again utilizing the phone home technique but rather the fact that it can be intercepted. That's just dumb on MS behalf. Then again, the average PC user probably hasn't come across this article yet. So again nothing too alarming......lol