Microsoft Outage: Spox Confirms Fix Forthcoming, Cybersecurity Firm Rules Out Cyberattack As Cause

Microsoft Outage: Microsoft acknowledged a global outage affecting Windows devices due to a third-party software update. CrowdStrike clarified that the outage is not a cyberattack and a fix has been deployed.

Representative Photo | Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike clarified that the disruptions in Microsoft services are not the result of a security incident or cyberattack. 

Source : PTI

Microsoft Outage: In a significant global outage affecting airlines, banks, and various businesses, Microsoft acknowledged on Friday that the disruption stems from an update associated with a third-party software platform impacting Windows devices. A Microsoft spokesperson stated, "We anticipate a resolution is forthcoming. We're aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform."

The outage has thrown operations into disarray worldwide, with significant disruptions noted in airport and airline services. Several airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa, faced challenges with their online check-in and boarding processes, forcing a transition to manual operations. 

Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike clarified that the disruptions are not the result of a security incident or cyberattack. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz stated the company was working to fix problems created for Windows users.

"CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. We refer customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide complete and continuous updates on our website. We further recommend organizations ensure they’re communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers," CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz posted on X.

CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. We…

— George Kurtz (@George_Kurtz) July 19, 2024

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw On Microsoft Outage

Users reported widespread issues on the outage-tracking website Downdetector, and many expressed their frustrations on X (formerly Twitter) due to encountering 'Blue Screen of Death' error messages. However, the State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, announced that its systems remain unaffected by the outage. Stock exchanges NSE and BSE also confirmed they were not impacted by the global disruption.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the IT ministry is in communication with Microsoft concerning the outage. He confirmed that the National Informatics Centre (NIC) network is not affected, saying on X, "The reason for this outage has been identified, and updates have been released to resolve the issue. CERT is issuing a technical advisory."

MEITY is in touch with Microsoft and its associates regarding the global outage.

The reason for this outage has been identified and updates have been released to resolve the issue.

CERT is issuing a technical advisory.

NIC network is not affected.

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) July 19, 2024

He also shared the CERT-In advisory in view of the Microsoft outage.

CERT-In advisory on the outage of Microsoft. https://t.co/QFo6oGqlCG pic.twitter.com/7vmR80cEII

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) July 19, 2024

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) is actively engaging with Microsoft and its associates regarding the situation, and CERT-In has rated the severity of the Microsoft outage caused by the CrowdStrike update as critical.