Microsoft Windows Global IT Outage Disrupts Businesses and Travel

A widespread IT outage caused significant disruptions for businesses and institutions around the world on Friday.

Millions of Windows users across the globe are experiencing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error which is causing the system to suddenly shut down or restart. Microsoft in a message said that the error is being caused due to a recent CrowdStrike update.

The issue, believed to be related to a problem with Windows PCs, impacted companies in various sectors.

The issue affected Microsoft 365 apps and services, and escalating disruptions continued hours after the technology company said it was gradually fixing it.

Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said that the issue believed to be behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack.

Sectors affected include:

Finance: Banks across the globe experienced computer problems, disrupting services like payments and potentially impacting stock trading on the London Stock Exchange.

Travel: Airlines were heavily affected, with major US carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United grounding flights.

Transportation: Rail services in the UK faced widespread IT issues, causing delays and cancellations. Airports in Germany, Spain, Australia, and the Netherlands also reported disruptions.

Healthcare: The NHS booking system used by doctors in England went offline, potentially impacting patient appointments and record access.

Media: TV and radio broadcasters were affected, with Sky News in the UK temporarily unable to broadcast live TV.

The outage’s impact extended to emergency services, with Alaska’s 911 call centers experiencing disruptions.

Global Reach:

The issue appears to be widespread, affecting businesses in various regions, including India, the US, Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Cause and Response:

While the exact cause remains under investigation, early reports point to a problem with Microsoft’s Windows operating system, potentially related to Crowdstrike’s Falcon security software. Both Microsoft and Crowdstrike are investigating the issue.

Limited Cyberattack Risk:

UK government officials are currently not classifying this outage as a cyberattack from hostile actors or criminals. The UK Ministry of Defense also reported being unaffected.

Looking Ahead:

The disruption continues to be addressed. Businesses and institutions are working to restore services and minimize inconvenience for customers and passengers. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines and airports for updates on potential delays or cancellations.