CrowdStrike Update Triggers Microsoft Outage
Published on: (Updated on: )
Windows PCs worldwide are facing a critical issue, leading to widespread crashes and disruptions. The root cause of these problems lies in CrowdStrike's Falcon Sensor software.
What is CrowdStrike, and What is Falcon Sensor?
CrowdStrike is a prominent cybersecurity company specializing in protecting computer systems from cyber attacks. One of its key products is the Falcon Sensor, an advanced software tool designed to monitor and prevent malicious activities on computers. This morning, CrowdStrike alerted users that an update to the Falcon Sensor software led to a critical error, commonly known as a "blue screen of death" (BSOD), on Windows systems. The company has since rolled back the faulty update, but many machines remain affected.
What is the "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD)?
The BSOD is a stop error screen displayed on Windows computers following a critical system error, often related to hardware or software malfunctions. When this screen appears, it indicates that the operating system has reached a condition where it can no longer operate safely. The current issue caused by the Falcon Sensor update has triggered these errors, leading to system crashes and disruptions for numerous users.
How Widespread is This Issue?
The impact of the faulty Falcon Sensor update is extensive due to the widespread use of CrowdStrike's software. Affected platforms include major services such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft 365, Azure, Instagram, eBay, Visa, and AT&T. Users can check the status of various services on Downdetector, a platform tracking service outages.
The problems have had far-reaching consequences, including:
- Airlines: Delta, American, RyanAir, and United Airlines have faced grounding of flights due to communication issues linked to the outage.
- Media: Sky News experienced an inability to broadcast live TV early on Friday.
- Retail: Some supermarkets faced disruptions in electronic payment systems, preventing customers from completing transactions.
- Banks: Some banks around the world may also have been affected by the outage.
How Worried Should Windows PC Owners Be?
Given the widespread nature of the issue and its impact on critical services, Windows PC owners using CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor should be vigilant. CrowdStrike’s engineering teams are reportedly working to resolve the issue and users should stay informed through official channels.