Microsoft Reports 8.5 Million Devices Affected by Global Outage

Microsoft has announced that nearly 8.5 million of its devices were affected by the recent global tech outage, triggered by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. As the world recovers from the significant business and travel disruptions caused by the outage, cybersecurity experts are warning of malicious actors attempting to exploit the situation.

Government cybersecurity agencies and CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz have issued alerts about new phishing schemes. These malicious actors are posing as CrowdStrike employees or other tech specialists, offering assistance to those affected by the outage. “We know that adversaries and bad actors will try to exploit events like this,” Kurtz stated. “I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and ensure that you’re engaging with official CrowdStrike representatives.”

The UK Cyber Security Centre has also reported an increase in phishing attempts related to this event.

Microsoft’s estimate indicates that the CrowdStrike update impacted 8.5 million Windows devices, which represents less than one percent of all Windows machines. Despite the seemingly small percentage, the widespread economic and societal impacts highlight the critical role CrowdStrike plays in enterprises that manage essential services.

The outage caused system problems that grounded flights, forced broadcasters off air, and left customers without access to vital services such as healthcare and banking.

CrowdStrike has collaborated with Microsoft to develop a solution to expedite the fix for Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure. Microsoft is also working with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform, sharing information about the outage’s effects across the industry.

The air travel industry was among the hardest hit, with thousands of flights canceled, leaving passengers stranded or facing lengthy delays. Delta Air Lines, one of the most affected airlines, reported over 600 canceled flights on Saturday, with more cancellations expected.

As recovery efforts continue, businesses and individuals are urged to remain cautious and ensure they are interacting with legitimate representatives to avoid falling victim to phishing schemes.