A Faulty Software Update Causes Havoc Worldwide

July 20, 2024 4:09 am

NEW YORK (AP) — A global technology outage grounded flights, knocked banks offline and media outlets off air after a faulty software update disrupted companies and services around the world and highlighted their dependence on just a handful of providers. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said the trouble with the update it issued that was affecting computers running Microsoft Windows was not a security incident or cyberattack. It said a fix was on the way. But hours later, the disruptions continued. Long lines formed at airports in the U.S., Europe and Asia as airlines lost access to check-in and booking services at a time when many travelers are heading away on summer vacations. Hospitals and doctors’ offices had problems with their appointment systems, and canceled surgeries.