Global computer failure on July 19, 2024: what happened and how is CrowdStrike involved?
19 july 2024 в 23:13
On July 19, 2024, was an ordinary day until a global computer shutdown affected almost all aspects of daily life. Airlines, banks, and other companies around the world suffered from technical malfunctions. So, what caused this catastrophe, and how is CrowdStrike involved?
CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. is a cybersecurity company offering protection against cyberattacks, threats, and much more. The company has been involved in several investigations over the years, including the hacking attacks on Sony Pictures in 2014 and the cyberattack on the Democratic National Committee in 2016.
On July 19, 2024, companies worldwide, including Australia, India, the UK, Germany, and other countries, reported that their Microsoft Windows systems were not working. Devices displayed the so-called «Blue Screen of Death», - indicating an error. All affected machines became unusable.
Apparently, the massive shutdown was caused by a software update from CrowdStrike, but it was not a malicious cyberattack. Nevertheless, companies worldwide were warned about scammers and hackers trying to take advantage of the widespread shutdown.
As a result, thousands of flights in the United States were canceled, according to FlightAware. Delta, United, and American Airlines all suffered from the technical issue. In addition to airlines, certain television stations, medical facilities, hotels, and banks were unable to continue their operations.
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz turned to X (formerly known as Twitter) to address the chaos.
«CrowdStrike is actively working with customers affected by a defect found in one update of Windows host content», - George wrote in a tweet. «Mac and Linux hosts were not affected. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated, and fixed. We are directing customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide full and continuous updates on our website. We also recommend organizations to ensure they are communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers»
CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. is a cybersecurity company offering protection against cyberattacks, threats, and much more. The company has been involved in several investigations over the years, including the hacking attacks on Sony Pictures in 2014 and the cyberattack on the Democratic National Committee in 2016.
On July 19, 2024, companies worldwide, including Australia, India, the UK, Germany, and other countries, reported that their Microsoft Windows systems were not working. Devices displayed the so-called «Blue Screen of Death», - indicating an error. All affected machines became unusable.
Apparently, the massive shutdown was caused by a software update from CrowdStrike, but it was not a malicious cyberattack. Nevertheless, companies worldwide were warned about scammers and hackers trying to take advantage of the widespread shutdown.
As a result, thousands of flights in the United States were canceled, according to FlightAware. Delta, United, and American Airlines all suffered from the technical issue. In addition to airlines, certain television stations, medical facilities, hotels, and banks were unable to continue their operations.
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz turned to X (formerly known as Twitter) to address the chaos.
«CrowdStrike is actively working with customers affected by a defect found in one update of Windows host content», - George wrote in a tweet. «Mac and Linux hosts were not affected. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated, and fixed. We are directing customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide full and continuous updates on our website. We also recommend organizations to ensure they are communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers»
© Artemenko Olga
