In an unprecedented IT debacle, a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. has triggered widespread disruptions across Microsoft Windows systems worldwide. The malfunction has led to significant interruptions in various sectors, affecting financial institutions in Hong Kong, healthcare services in the UK, and aviation operations in India.
The malfunction, first identified several hours ago, prompted an immediate response from both CrowdStrike and Microsoft Corp., which have since released patches to address the problem.
Here are key points on the issue:
Satya Nadella reacts to disruption
Microsoft Chairman and CEO took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge the issue, stating, “CrowdStrike’s recent update has had a global impact on IT systems. We are actively collaborating with CrowdStrike and industry partners to guide our customers through the recovery process and restore their systems securely.”
CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. announces manual reboot to tackle issue
CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. announced that all Windows computers impacted by a global IT failure will need a manual reboot, reported Bloomberg. CEO George Kurtz explained in a CNBC interview that the issue stemmed from a content bug or update, which has since been rolled back, as per the wire.
He apologized to customers, noting that while some systems might take a few hours to come back online, others could take longer. Kurtz also mentioned potential manual steps required and the company’s efforts to automate those steps.
CrowdStrike’s technical support team, in a communication reviewed by Bloomberg News, stated that affected systems might need up to 15 reboots.
Airlines disrupted across the globe
Airport hubs from Berlin to Delhi faced significant delays, cancellations, and stranded passengers on an unusually busy travel day. FlightAware reported over 21,000 global flight delays.
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines began to resume flights on Friday, but disruptions might persist for several days due to the peak travel season.
Additionally, American Airlines and Spirit Airlines, along with other US carriers, had temporarily halted flights, as noted by the Federal Aviation Administration.
(This is a developing story. Comeback for more)
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Published: 19 Jul 2024, 10:10 PM IST
