A global software outage caused by a recent tech update from cybersecurity provider CrowdStrike has highlighted a vulnerability in the nation’s digital infrastructure, according to technology policy experts. The outage, affecting Microsoft Windows and other programs, is being described as the largest IT outage in history, raising concerns about the reliance on a small number of service providers across industries.
The disruption has had a significant impact on airports and airlines, with Raleigh Durham International Airport experiencing delays and cancellations as airline employees worked to rebook passengers. The ripple effect is expected to continue for the next few days, causing headaches for travelers.
Policy experts are urging businesses and policymakers to reconsider consolidating services to a degree that could lead to widespread global impact. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working with CrowdStrike, Microsoft, and other partners to assess the extent of the damage and outage, while CrowdStrike has issued work-around instructions for users.
Despite the scale of the outage, platforms like Google have not been affected, highlighting the importance of diversifying digital infrastructure. CrowdStrike, known for its work with the Democratic National Committee in investigating a 2016 hack, serves a wide range of clients in private industry and government, including election security.
Shares of CrowdStrike stock closed down 11% at the end of trading on Friday following the outage. As businesses and policymakers evaluate the lessons learned from this incident, the need for investment in technology infrastructure and security has become a top priority.
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