Disturbances at airports - Computer problems solved globally
A faulty software update caused widespread disruptions worldwide. Flights were canceled, hospitals postponed surgeries, and broadcasters experienced issues. According to statements from affected companies, there are no indications of a cyberattack, as a spokesperson from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior stated. The cause appears to be a faulty update of the IT security system named "Falcon Sensor" by the manufacturer Crowdstrike. The IT security company confirmed the error and stated it had been fixed by midday. Customers were then referred to a download portal for a new update.
In Germany, Berlin Airport had to partially shut down operations on Friday morning, with several airlines reporting restrictions. Eurowings canceled over 50 flights in Germany and between Germany and Great Britain to relieve their IT systems. KLM's flight operations in the Netherlands came to a near standstill. Problems were reported at numerous airports, including Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Stuttgart, as well as internationally in Mallorca and Warsaw.
Government agencies and supermarkets affected
The University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein canceled all planned surgeries in Kiel and Lübeck due to computer issues. Computer problems also affected city and county administrations, such as in Schleswig-Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. The grocery store chain Tegut temporarily closed markets.
According to the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, operators of critical infrastructure are affected. Critical infrastructure includes energy suppliers, transportation and traffic, the public administration, hospitals, water, sewage, and telecommunications.
Software error, not a cyberattack
The software error was, according to Crowdstrike, in an update for Windows computers. Microsoft, the Windows manufacturer, reported issues with its Cloud Service 365. Microsoft also published instructions on how to roll back Windows Cloud PCs to their state before the faulty update. Crowdstrike emphasized that the problem had been identified and fixed. It was not a cyberattack and no security incident had occurred.
In numerous countries, the issue had severe consequences: The Australian government convened an emergency meeting. Sky News in the UK temporarily stopped broadcasting and displayed a static image. In Israel, according to CNN, hospitals were affected, and in New Zealand, many businesses were closed. Credit card payments no longer worked, and in New Zealand, it was reported "cash only" in some places. The US Federal Aviation Administration grounded flights for airlines like United, American, and Delta. European budget airline Ryanair also reported problems.
The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) stated that the incidents were being continuously evaluated. The agency is in contact with all relevant parties and provides continuous updates on the situation.
It is common in the software industry for numerous companies to be affected by issues from individual providers. For example, a cyberattack on the American IT services provider Kaseya in 2021 spread as far as Sweden, where the Coop supermarket chain had to close almost all stores.
- The disruption affected flights at Berlin Airport, leading to Eurowings canceling over 50 flights to and from Germany and the United Kingdom.
- In Munich, one of Germany's busy airports, operations were also impacted by the software glitch.
- Hospitals in Cologne also experienced computer problems, potentially leading to postponements of surgeries.
- The software issue extended beyond Germany, affecting airports in Mallorca and Warsaw.
- In the United Kingdom, Sky News experienced difficulties, temporarily switching to a static image.
- KLM, a major Dutch airline, was also affected, leading to a near standstill of flight operations in the Netherlands.
- The University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Hamburg had to cancel all planned surgeries due to computer issues.
- The faulty update was for Windows computers, causing problems with Microsoft's Cloud Service 365.
- Televisions in Israel were affected, with hospitals reportedly impacted, similar to the situation in New Zealand.
- The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is working to evaluate the incidents and provide updates on the situation.
