Earlier this month, a software update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused Microsoft Windows operating systems to crash—resulting in potentially the largest IT outage in history.
Disruptions were widespread. Around the world, businesses and services were unable to operate as computers crashed, and some critical infrastructure sectors (like transportation, healthcare, and finance) were disrupted. For example, commercial flights were grounded, critical hospital care was interrupted, and financial institutions were unable to service clients.