CrowdStrike update : The Global IT Outage

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CrowdStrike: A cybersecurity technology company established in 2011, CrowdStrike specializes in cloud-delivered endpoint protection. Their suite of products and services is designed to thwart cyber threats and swiftly detect attacks. Notably, their flagship product, Falcon, employs advanced threat detection, prevention, and response mechanisms. Recently, however, a faulty update to Falcon triggered widespread crashes on Windows hosts, leading to a global IT outage. This disruption affected numerous organizations, including News broadcasters, major airlines, and airports. The resulting Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and boot loop issues prompted urgent action from CrowdStrike, while Mac and Linux hosts remained unaffected.


What is the blue screen of death?






Understanding the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a dreaded sight for Windows users. It appears when something goes critically wrong with your PC. Let’s explore the common reasons behind these disruptive blue screens:

1. Hardware Faults

  • Faulty Memory: Malfunctioning RAM modules can trigger a BSOD. Run memory diagnostics to identify issues.
  • Overheating Components: Excessive heat can cause instability. Ensure proper cooling and ventilation.
  • Power Supply Problems: Inadequate or failing power supply units may lead to sudden crashes.
2. Driver Issues
  • Outdated or Poorly Written Drivers: Device drivers act as intermediaries between hardware and software. If they’re outdated or poorly coded, they can cause BSODs.
  • Recent Driver Updates: Sometimes, newly installed drivers conflict with existing ones. Monitor driver updates carefully.
  • Device Overheating: Overworked components due to faulty drivers can cause overheating, leading to BSODs.
3. Software Errors
  • Incompatible Software: Certain applications or utilities may clash with system components, resulting in BSODs.
  • Kernel-Level Software: Low-level software running in the Windows kernel (e.g., antivirus programs, and system utilities) can trigger BSODs.
  • Regular Apps: Everyday apps typically don’t cause BSODs unless they interact with critical system processes.

Preventive Measures

  • Check Hardware: Regularly inspect your PC for hardware issues. Replace faulty components promptly.
  • Update Drivers: Keep device drivers up to date. Visit manufacturers’ websites for the latest versions.
    • Software Troubleshooting: Investigate any software-related problems. Uninstall conflicting apps and perform a system scan

How to resolve this CrowdStrike issue?

 

Refer to the recommendations from CrowdStrike. A word of caution if you have a company device affected, please reach out to your company IT Support for resolution. The below instruction is more applicable to individuals using personal devices.



Image Credits: CrowdStrike


What are the three key takeaways from this Global Outage

  1. Prepare for Failure:
  • It’s essential to proactively prepare for potential outages. Detecting issues quickly allows for faster remediation and minimizes the impact on your organization.
  1. Know Your Dependencies and Monitor Them:
  • Chart your dependencies using tools.
  • The Internet isn’t infallible, and we heavily rely on third-party services. To ensure resilience, monitor both external and internal components.
  1. Trust and Verify Changes:
  • Manage and control software changes; don’t blindly update configurations.
  • Always test changes before deploying them globally.
  • Develop failover strategies for critical services in our interconnected digital world. 

Remember, being prepared, monitoring dependencies, and managing changes are key to maintaining a robust online presence! 

 

 

With enthusiasm 🚀🚀

Abhijit

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