IT outages Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 20, 2024

Microsoft reveals CrowdStrike outage could have a surprising long-term impact on everyday users

On July 27, Microsoft released a security report regarding the CrowdStrike crash, which was caused by a malfunctioning driver and affected millions of Windows devices. The incident has sparked controversy in the gaming community over kernel-level anti-cheat programs, which are seen as potential threats to privacy and security. Despite the risks, game developers are reluctant to abandon these solutions due to challenges in preventing cheating. The CrowdStrike incident may prompt a shift away from kernel-level access, leading Microsoft to explore alternative methods, such as AI-driven "Human Behavior Detection" techniques, to address cheating without requiring kernel-level permissions. The effectiveness of AI solutions as alternatives remains uncertain, but AI is expected to play a significant role in Microsoft's research following the outage. Kernel-level software has previously caused Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes, highlighting the need for safer alternatives that do not pose critical system failure risks.

AppWizard

July 31, 2024

Thousands of users plagued with issues across Microsoft 365 and Azure

Microsoft has resolved recent global outages affecting several Office applications and cloud services, which were caused by a "network infrastructure" issue. The outage impacted platforms including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Azure, and Outlook, preventing users from accessing their emails and other services. Various organizations, such as Cambridge Water and HM Courts Service, reported disruptions. The outage was less severe than a previous incident caused by CrowdStrike, which affected approximately 8.5 million Windows computers and led to significant operational challenges across multiple sectors. Companies notably affected included NatWest, EE, O2, and several gaming platforms. NatWest acknowledged issues with customer access to their webpages, while HM Courts and Tribunals Service reported difficulties in accessing online services. Over 1,000 reports of issues with Microsoft 365 and more than 2,000 related to Minecraft were noted. The situation has raised concerns about the resilience of digital infrastructures and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, prompting discussions about a potential Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the UK.

Winsage

July 26, 2024

CrowdStrike CEO says 97% of Windows sensors back online after major outage

CrowdStrike caused a global IT outage on July 19, 2024, due to a bug in a routine update that crashed Microsoft's Windows operating system. Over 97% of Windows sensors are back online after the update was rolled back. CEO George Kurtz apologized for the disruption and sent Uber Eats gift cards to those affected.

Winsage

July 23, 2024

Here’s Hitachi Ventura’s Response To Blue Screen Disruption In Windows

A series of global IT outages on July 19 caused disruptions across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of data protection and cyber resilience. Matthew, the Chief Technology Officer at Hitachi Vantara, highlighted the need for robust infrastructure and collaboration with hybrid cloud providers to establish a holistic data resilience strategy. Organizations should focus on restoring normal operations and use the incident as a catalyst for positive change to ensure systems can handle unexpected challenges.