CrowdStrike identified the root cause as a conflict between their Falcon sensor and recent Microsoft updates. They provided steps to mitigate the issue, such as updating to the latest sensor version and applying specific configuration changes. Microsoft is also working on a permanent fix.
Fortunately, CrowdStrike has since announced at 2:30 a.m. ET that it has identified the update causing the issue and rolled it back. The company also offered a workaround for anyone having problems:
- “Boot Windows into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment
- “Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike directory
- “Locate the file matching ‘C-0000029*.sys’, and delete it.
- “Boot the host normally.”
Global Outages Impact Banks, Airlines, and Brokerage Firms
Major Disruptions Reported Worldwide
A significant number of banks, airlines, and brokerage firms experienced widespread outages today, affecting services globally. The disruptions have led to severe inconvenience for customers and operational challenges for the businesses involved.
Affected Services
Key sectors impacted include online banking, flight operations, and stock trading platforms, leading to frustration and delays for users relying on these services. The root cause of the outages remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting potential technical failures or cybersecurity incidents.
Response and Recovery
Affected companies are working diligently to restore normal operations, with IT teams and external experts investigating the issues. Customers are advised to stay updated through official communication channels for the latest information on service restoration and potential impacts on their transactions.
Moving Forward
This incident highlights the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures and resilient IT infrastructure to prevent such widespread service disruptions in the future.