A software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike has caused widespread IT outages affecting Windows systems globally. The issue has led to Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors on Windows machines, impacting various sectors including airports, healthcare, public services, and businesses worldwide. The problem is not believed to be a cyberattack but rather a defect in the update. CrowdStrike’s CEO confirmed the issue and stated that a fix has been deployed. The outage has resulted in flight cancellations, hospital disruptions, and various other service interruptions. The incident highlights the vulnerability of interconnected IT systems and the potential for widespread disruption from a single point of failure.
Here’s the fix for the issue:
- Boot Windows into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment
- Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike directory
- Locate the file matching “C-00000291*.sys”, and delete it.
- Boot the host normally.
We want to assure our valued customers that our systems and services remain unaffected by this widespread outage, as we do not use CrowdStrike for our security software. Your data and operations with us continue to be secure and operational. However, we understand that many individuals and businesses in our community may be impacted by this significant IT disruption. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to this CrowdStrike update, our team is ready and willing to assist. We have the expertise to help affected systems recover quickly and securely. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support in getting your operations back up and running smoothly.