'Significant number' of devices fixed - CrowdStrike

On Friday, a significant global computer outage occurred, affecting an estimated 8. 5 million devices worldwide. This incident was caused by a faulty security update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm known for its protective services. CrowdStrike has since reported that a considerable number of the impacted devices are now back online. In a recent social media update, the company stated that it is continuing its efforts to restore all systems to full functionality. Microsoft, the company behind Windows, has labeled this incident as one of the most severe IT outages in history. Many sectors, including businesses, banks, hospitals, and airlines, were severely affected, with some still struggling to recover fully. CrowdStrike expressed its understanding of the significant impact this outage has had on its customers, partners, and their IT teams, stating, 'We are profoundly grateful for their hard work. ' They also issued an apology for the disruption caused by this incident. To expedite the recovery process, CrowdStrike is implementing a new fix, although they have not disclosed how many devices remain affected. The fallout from this outage was felt in the airline industry, with over 1,400 flights canceled in and out of the United States on Sunday, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking service. Delta and United Airlines were among the hardest-hit carriers. Additionally, health services in countries such as Britain, Israel, and Germany experienced disruptions on Friday, leading to the cancellation of some services. This massive outage has highlighted the vulnerabilities present in global computer networks, demonstrating how a single error can lead to widespread chaos. Lina Khan, the Chair of the US Federal Trade Commission, commented on social media, 'These days, a single glitch can result in a system-wide outage, affecting industries from healthcare and airlines to banks and auto dealers. ' She emphasized that such incidents reveal how concentrated systems can become fragile. Prior to this incident, CrowdStrike was regarded as one of the most trusted names in the cybersecurity industry, boasting around 29,000 customers globally, including some of the largest companies in the United States. However, it is worth noting that CrowdStrike is not as widely used in China, which also does not rely on Microsoft to the same extent as other regions.