A widespread Microsoft Cloud outage has disrupted millions of computer systems worldwide, causing sudden shutdowns and restarts. The root cause, according to Microsoft, is a recent update from CrowdStrike.
Root Cause and Immediate Actions
CrowdStrike Engineering, a cybersecurity services firm collaborating with Microsoft, identified a content deployment issue. They swiftly reverted the changes and provided steps for affected Windows users to resolve any resulting problems.
Official Statements and Impact
Government Response
Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that MeitY is in constant communication with Microsoft to resolve the issue.
Global Impact
The outage has had a far-reaching impact, disrupting critical services globally:
- Airlines in India such as SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and IndiGo reported technical challenges affecting online ticket booking, check-in, and other functionalities.
- Flights in Australia and the United States have been grounded due to the tech problem.
- Financial services and banks were also affected, with reports indicating that the London Stock Exchange experienced disruptions.
Detailed Investigation by Microsoft
In a detailed thread on X, Microsoft confirmed they are investigating the issue, which has impaired users’ access to various Microsoft 365 apps and services.
Impact on Regular Users
Many users are stuck in a BSOD loop (blue screen of death loop), causing their devices to behave erratically. The software patch causes voltage instability, triggering the voltage protection program and resulting in BSOD.
Steps to Stop the BSOD Loop
CERT-In and Microsoft have provided a simple method to resolve the issue:
- Boot Windows into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment. Most laptops allow this by pressing the F10, F11, Enter, or Delete key.
- Select the Boot in Safe Mode option.
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike directory.
- Locate and delete the file matching C-00000291.sys*.
- Boot the device normally.
Lessons and Future Precautions
This incident underscores the critical nature of robust cybersecurity measures and the far-reaching impact of technical issues. As technology advances, it is essential for companies like Microsoft and CrowdStrike to maintain the stability and security of their services to prevent similar disruptions.
Conclusion
The recent Microsoft Cloud outage, caused by a CrowdStrike update, has led to significant disruptions across various sectors worldwide. Both Microsoft and CrowdStrike have taken swift action to address the issue. Users are encouraged to follow the recommended steps for resolution and stay informed through official channels.
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