Special report: Major computer outages occur worldwide

Summary

A massive global technical outage has disrupted critical computer infrastructure worldwide due to a software update issue with CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity provider. The incident has impacted Microsoft computer systems across various sectors, including airlines, emergency services, and banks, causing significant disruptions such as grounded flights and inaccessible banking services. CrowdStrike has clarified that this is not a cyberattack and has identified and isolated the issue, deploying a fix to address the widespread 'blue screen of death' errors.

Takeaways

• 🚨 A massive global technical outage has occurred, affecting critical computer infrastructure worldwide due to an issue with CrowdStrike, a major cybersecurity provider.
• 🖥️ The problem stems from a software update, impacting a vast array of Microsoft computer systems globally, including businesses, emergency services, traffic lights, and transit systems.
• ✈️ Airlines such as American, Delta, and United have grounded their flights, causing chaos at airports and difficulties in printing boarding passes.
• 🔄 The full scope of the problem is still developing, with NBC News and other newsrooms experiencing issues in their operations.
• 🔒 This incident is not a cyberattack but a technical issue between CrowdStrike and Microsoft, affecting systems that incorporate CrowdStrike's cybersecurity measures.
• 💡 CrowdStrike's role is to provide foolproof systems against hacking, and any update from them is integrated into Microsoft computers, leading to widespread impact when there's an issue.
• 📱 It's noted that Mac and Lynx systems are not affected by this particular issue.
• 🌏 The outage began in regions like Australia and Europe and is now affecting the United States as the day progresses.
• 😵‍💻 The 'Blue Screen of Death' is being reported, which essentially bricks the computer, preventing users from logging in and causing widespread disruption.
• 🛑 CrowdStrike has identified the issue, isolated it, and deployed a fix, but the time it will take to fully resolve the problem is uncertain.
• 🆘 The impact on emergency services, such as 911, and the potential for bank outages in other countries highlights the severity of the situation and the urgency to resolve it.

Q & A

What is the main issue causing the global technical outage?

The main issue is a software update from CrowdStrike, a major cybersecurity provider, which has impacted critical computer infrastructure worldwide.

Which types of systems are affected by the outage?

The outage is affecting Microsoft computer systems, including businesses, emergency services like 911, traffic lights, transit systems, and airlines.

Which airlines are mentioned as being affected by the technical outage?

American, Delta, and United airlines are mentioned as keeping their flights grounded due to the outage.

What is the term used to describe the computer screens displaying issues?

The term used is the 'Blue Screen of Death', which essentially bricks the computer and prevents users from logging in.

What is CrowdStrike's role in the affected systems?

CrowdStrike is a cybersecurity firm that provides businesses with protection against being hacked. Their software update issue has caused the widespread outage.

What is the current status of the CrowdStrike-Microsoft issue?

CrowdStrike has identified the issue, isolated it, and a fix has been deployed, but the time it will take to fully resolve the issue is not known.

What is the impact of the outage on NBC News and other newsrooms?

NBC News and other newsrooms are experiencing difficulty in printing boarding passes and are trying to do workarounds to get on air.

How is the technical outage affecting people trying to access their personal computers?

People are encountering the 'Blue Screen of Death' when trying to log into their personal computers, which prevents access to their systems.

What is the situation at the airports as described in the report?

Airports are experiencing chaos with long lines, intense frustration, and kiosks and computers being down, making it difficult for passengers to get information about their flights.

What advice is given for people who are unable to access 911 services?

For those unable to access 911, they are advised not to try to call to test it, but to try a different carrier or phone if they are in an emergency.

What is the distinction between this technical issue and a cyberattack?

The CEO of CrowdStrike has clarified that this is a technical issue and not a security incident or cyberattack.