A global IT outage on Friday caused major disruptions worldwide due to a faulty software update issued by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. The outage is most likely to be resolved by Saturday. However, some areas might still be experiencing lingering effects.
A recent software update has led to a global IT outage, affecting services globally. The disruption has resulted in over 5,000 flight cancellations, healthcare delays, and potential payroll issues. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and its impacts.
What Happened?
An update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused major system errors, leading to what’s being called one of the worst IT outages ever. While it wasn’t a cyberattack, the update triggered “blue screens of death” and endless loops on affected systems.
Key Impacts
- Air Travel:
- Airlines canceled over 5,000 flights worldwide.
- Airports faced long queues and delays, with some resorts like Heathrow and Edinburgh slowly returning to normal.
- Airlines issued handwritten tickets, and some used whiteboards to update passengers.
- The IT outage also disrupted train services, including Avanti West Coast and Great Western Railway.
- Healthcare:
- Many GP surgeries in England couldn’t book appointments.
- The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical incident.
- Pharmacies experienced issues that are likely to continue through the weekend.
- Ambulance services saw a surge in calls.
- Businesses:
- Major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s reported online service issues.
- Some stores had to accept cash only.
- Payroll software problems posed potential issues for weekly payments.
An industry expert explained that the crash was due to the wrong file being approved and distributed, highlighting the vulnerability of complex systems. The CEO of CrowdStrike warned of potential exploitation by bad actors and promised transparency and fixes.
The outage had a global impact, with countries like Brazil, Japan, Canada, and South Africa reporting various issues. Airports, banks, and businesses in these countries faced significant disruptions.
Government Response
The UK government’s COBRA emergency team responded to the crisis. Experts believe this incident is a wake-up call for better preparation against such IT failures.
This incident has shown the dangers of relying heavily on a single provider and the need for robust backup systems. Experts urge businesses and governments to rethink their IT strategies to prevent future disruptions.
While services are gradually returning online, the full recovery could take weeks. This global IT outage serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our interconnected systems and the need for improved cybersecurity measures.
