Microsoft said it was aware of an issue affecting Windows programs running cybersecurity technology from CrowdStrike. Here’s how flights, hospitals and services were affected.
Mass IT outages have caused disruptions around the world, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed and online services down at airports, hospitals, banks and businesses. Many Microsoft users started their day with an error screen — dubbed the “blue screen of death,” or BSOD error.
The company says it is aware of an issue affecting Windows programs running technology from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company. President Biden has been briefed on the outage and will continue to receive updates, according to an administration official. The White House is also in contact with CrowdStrike’s executive team and has offered government support, the official said, adding that it “has been convening agencies to assess impacts to the US government’s operations and entities around the country.” Here’s what to know about the widespread IT outages and what happens next.
Where have users reported outages?
As of 4 p.m. Eastern time, almost 4,200 flights have been canceled worldwide. More than 2,500 of those were flights operating into, within or out of the United States, according to FlightAware.com, an online flight tracking website. More than 37,600 flights were delayed worldwide, with delays affecting more than 8,800 flights originating and/or ending in the United States.
Major U.S. carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, grounded their flights overnight, as the Federal Aviation Administration cited communications issues. Airline operations are beginning to resume some flights, but, as United later said, disruptions are expected “to continue throughout Friday.” United blamed a “third-party software outage” that impacted computer systems worldwide. American Airlines also pointed to a “technical issue with a vendor” that disrupted operations.
Source: www.washingtonpost.com
