A massive IT outage caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has led to global disruptions affecting flights, health systems, and IT networks at federal agencies and major corporations. The Biden administration is actively responding to the situation, with efforts led by Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger to assess and mitigate the impacts.
Content: WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration is urgently addressing a significant IT outage caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. The disruption has affected critical infrastructure worldwide, including grounding flights, impacting health systems, and causing widespread IT network issues at federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber and Emerging Technology, revealed that she had been working since early morning to evaluate the impact on U.S. critical infrastructure sectors. Neuberger confirmed that she had spoken with CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz and coordinated with various agencies and foreign partners.
Kurtz clarified that the outage was not due to a cyberattack but rather a software glitch. Despite this, millions of Windows computers running CrowdStrike software displayed the infamous “blue screen of death,” necessitating manual fixes for each affected device. This incident is poised to be one of the most significant cyber incidents in history, according to security researchers.
The outage’s immediate effects were most visible at airports, where numerous flights were grounded, and passengers faced extended delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned travelers to expect disruptions. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) acknowledged reports of disruptions to 911 emergency services.
The incident has drawn scrutiny from Congress, with Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) urging the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to investigate. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is also seeking a briefing on the Pentagon’s impact. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CISA are collaborating with CrowdStrike, Microsoft, and other partners to address the outages.
Authorities in the European Union are also dealing with the fallout, with impacts reported at airports and financial institutions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for diversifying software providers in light of the incident.
John Riggi, national adviser for cybersecurity and risk at the American Hospital Association, reported that the outage affected some hospitals and health systems, further highlighting the extensive reach of the disruption.
This incident underscores the risks associated with corporate concentration in information technology and the inherent vulnerabilities in cybersecurity software. Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, called the outage a “wake-up call” for potential future cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for robust preparedness.
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