On Friday, many Windows users suddenly encountered the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), causing major disruptions around the world. Initially, it seemed like Microsoft might be at fault, but it turns out the problem was actually due to a recent update from CrowdStrike, a US-based cybersecurity firm.
What Happened?
The BSOD is a serious error screen that makes your computer freeze up and become temporarily unusable. These types of errors usually happen because of software problems.
The Cause
The issue was traced back to a recent update from CrowdStrike. This update included a problematic file that caused the BSOD for many users. It’s important to note that this wasn’t a Microsoft issue but rather something that originated from CrowdStrike.
Official Responses
Microsoft acknowledged the problem and said, “We’re aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform.”
George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike, clarified that they are working to fix the problem caused by a defect in a single update for Windows systems. He assured that this issue isn’t a cyberattack. He also mentioned that Mac and Linux users are not affected. CrowdStrike has identified the problem, fixed it, and users can get updates and support through their support portal.
How to Fix It
Here are two main ways to solve the BSOD issue:
- Delete the Faulty File:
- Restart your computer in safe mode.
- Go to the folder with the CrowdStrike file.
- Delete the file that ends with the number 291.
- Restart your computer again.
- Use Point-in-Time Restore:
- This feature lets you roll back your computer to a state before the update.
- Choose a restore point that is as recent as possible to avoid losing too much data.
Impact and Response
The outage caused significant problems, particularly at airports. Airlines like SpiceJet, Indigo, and Akasa experienced major disruptions at Mumbai and Delhi airports. Most systems are now getting fixes.
Sundareshwar K from PwC India described this as a “black swan” event, meaning it was an unexpected problem that highlighted the need for better cybersecurity strategies. Vishal Salvi, CEO of Quick Heal Technologies, said this incident serves as a wake-up call for businesses to focus on proactive defense and have solid backup and recovery plans.
Although the BSOD problem from CrowdStrike’s update has mostly been resolved, it shows how crucial it is to have strong cybersecurity measures and backup plans to handle unexpected tech issues.
