8.5 Mn Devices Disrupted By CrowdStrike Update: Microsoft

A global technological outage triggered by a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted nearly 8.5 million Microsoft devices, Microsoft reported in a blog post on Saturday. 

The update, which affected less than one per cent of all Windows machines, had widespread repercussions, grounding flights, interrupting broadcasting services and leaving users without access to essential services such as healthcare and banking.

Although the percentage of impacted devices was relatively small, the extensive economic and societal ramifications point to the critical role CrowdStrike plays in securing enterprises that provide vital services. Microsoft noted that the effects of the update were felt across multiple industries.

To address the crisis, CrowdStrike has developed a solution to expedite repairs within Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure. Additionally, Microsoft is working with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform, sharing data and strategies to mitigate the outage’s impact and restore functionality.

The air travel industry was particularly affected, with thousands of flights canceled and passengers facing big delays. Delta Air Lines, one of the most impacted carriers, reported over 600 flight cancellations by 10 am EDT on Saturday, with further disruptions anticipated as airports and airlines struggled to recover from the IT outage.

In its latest update, CrowdStrike said that it has found a new way to tackle the situation along with its customers. “We’re in the process of operationalising an opt-in to this technique. We’re making progress by the minute.”

“We understand the profound impact this has had on everyone. We know our customers, partners and their IT teams are working tirelessly and we’re profoundly grateful. We apologise for the disruption this has created. Our focus is clear: to restore every system as soon as possible,” added the CrowdStrike statement on X.

(Inputs from Reuters)