Crowdstrike: IT-issue identified and fixed
Despite initial concerns: It was not a Cyberattack causing global IT disruptions. According to cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike, there was instead an error in an update for their Windows software. This issue has now been fixed.
Crowdstrike has fixed the issue that allegedly caused global computer disruptions. Customers were directed to a download portal for a new update, according to company CEO George Kurtz at X.
The issue was found in an update for Crowdstrike software for Windows computers, Kurtz wrote. The problem was identified and resolved. There were no cyberattacks or security incidents involved.
On Friday morning, air travel was particularly affected by the computer problems worldwide. Berlin Airport had to temporarily halt operations. In Hamburg, flight traffic was heavily disrupted due to issues with affected airlines. A hospital in Schleswig-Holstein canceled surgeries scheduled for that day.
Microsoft stated at X that numerous apps and services of their Microsoft 365 cloud service could be "unreachable." The company is working "urgently" to resolve the issue. Microsoft also sees no signs of a cyberattack.
Berlin: No signs of a Cyberattack
The German government also does not believe that the widespread IT disruptions in Germany and many other countries are the result of a hacker attack. "According to the current state of knowledge from the statements of the affected companies, there are no indications of a cyberattack," said a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The situation is being continuously evaluated. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is in contact with all relevant parties and providing continuous updates on the situation.
The spokesperson stated that companies in Germany, including critical infrastructure operators, were among those affected by the global IT failures in various sectors. Critical infrastructure includes energy suppliers, transport and traffic, public administration, hospitals, water and wastewater, and telecommunications. The assessment in Paris is similar. "There are no indications" of a cyberattack, the French IT security authority (Anssi) stated.
The cybersecurity concern initially misinterpreted as a global cyberattack was actually due to an error in a Microsoft Windows update, as revealed by Crowdstrike. This incident highlighted the importance of IT-Security in maintaining the smooth functioning of the Economy, as evidenced by the disruptions in air travel, hospital surgeries, and Microsoft services.
