Priya PatelTLDR:
- CrowdStrike’s software update caused a massive computer outage affecting companies, hospitals, and governments
- Microsoft and Amazon were among the top tech companies impacted
The Puget Sound region faced severe consequences from the CrowdStrike-induced computer outage, impacting top tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The incident, described as “the software patch that shook the world” by The Wall Street Journal, spread to Windows-based computers globally before being shut down by CrowdStrike. The outage led to the disruption of operations in offices, 911 call centers, flights, restaurants, hospitals, and media companies, highlighting the interconnectedness and vulnerability of the cyber world. Microsoft estimated that 8.5 million devices were affected, with ongoing efforts to restore infected systems. The incident prompted bipartisan outrage in Congress, calling for new oversight of cyber vulnerabilities. This event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the internet infrastructure and the potential risks of cyber warfare in an interconnected world.
