CrowdStrike Windows Update Worldwide Outages

Recently, CrowdStrike, a leading cyber security firm, experienced an issue that is affecting businesses globally. Here's a breakdown of what happened and what it means for those affected. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike identified a defect in a single content update for its Falcon sensor software, which is used on Windows hosts. This defect caused widespread disruption, including the infamous blue screen of death, abbreviated BSOD, unaffected Windows machines. The issue was confined to Windows hosts. MAC and Linux systems were not affected. Major sectors including airlines, banks and stock exchanges, and media outlets experienced significant disruptions. This was not a security breach or cyber attack according to CrowdStrike.

Transcript

AI Intro [00:00:00]:
Ready for another tech tip from Tech Brood? Well, here's Greg Doig with another one for you.

Greg D [00:00:06]:
Recently, CrowdStrike, a leading cyber security firm, experienced an issue that is affecting businesses globally. Here's a breakdown of what happened and what it means for those affected. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike identified a defect in a single content update for its Falcon sensor software, which is used on Windows hosts. This defect caused widespread disruption, including the infamous blue screen of death, abbreviated BSOD, unaffected Windows machines. The issue was confined to Windows hosts. MAC and Linux systems were not affected. Major sectors including airlines, banks and stock exchanges, and media outlets experienced significant disruptions. This was not a security breach or cyber attack according to CrowdStrike.

Greg D [00:00:57]:
The problem stemmed from a faulty update, non malicious activity. CrowdStrike quickly identified, isolated, and deployed a fix for the issue. The company has stopped pushing the faulty update, so all the machines already affected need to be fixed. CrowdStrike is actively working with effective customers to restore systems and ensure stability, and customers are advised to refer to the support portal for the latest updates and communicate through official channels. The incident had a global reach affecting services in various countries including the US, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The major disruptions included grounded flights, halted banking services, and interrupted media broadcasts. So what should you do? Well, regularly check CrowdStrike support portal and official communications for the latest updates and instructions if you're a CrowdStrike customer. Ensure that any communication with CrowdStrike representatives is through verified and official channels to avoid misinformation.

Greg D [00:02:01]:
If your business uses CrowdStrike's Falcon sensor on Windows hosts, follow the provided steps to apply the fix and restore normal operations from CrowdStrike. This may include rebooting systems or manually removing the faulty update file. Keep an eye on your systems for any residual issues and report them to CrowdStrike support immediately. And you can use this incident as a reminder to review and update your business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Ensure you have measures in place to handle similar disruptions in the future. While this incident was not a result of a cyberattack, it underscores the importance of robust IT management and quick response strategies. By staying informed and proactive, you can minimize the impact of such disruptions on your business. CrowdStrike's swift action and ongoing support aim to restore normalcy and ensure the security and stability of their customers.

Greg D [00:02:58]:
And for more detailed information and continuous updates, visit CrowdStrike's official website and support portal. This ends this week's show, but, yes, we will work to bring you more, and hope you enjoyed another episode of Tech Brood, where we talk about getting your Tech Brood just the way you like it. I'm Greg Doig, and thank you for listening.