Global IT outages CrowdStrike software update failure This has created the perfect environment for cybercriminals to exploit: this unprecedented disruption affecting Windows computers worldwide has led threat actors to launch phishing campaigns and distribute malware-laden links.
These malicious actors target individuals and organizations desperate for information and solutions, tricking them into clicking on tainted links that falsely claim to offer updates or fixes for CrowdStrike-related issues.
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An illustration of a cyber criminal at work. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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As airlines, banks, grocery stores, 911 emergency communications, medical centers, and just about every organization that runs a CrowdStrike Falcon-equipped Windows computer try to recover from the most destructive technological tsunami, they have seen criminals trying to feign trouble and offer fake assistance.
People working on Windows PCs (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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Department of Homeland Security issues warning about threat actors after CrowdStrike Windows outage
The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is tracking this online criminal activity, which now poses a secondary threat to Americans. Below is a statement from CISA:
“CISA has observed that threat actors are leveraging this incident for phishing and other malicious activity. CISA urges organizations and individuals to remain vigilant and only follow instructions from legitimate sources. CISA encourages organizations to caution their employees not to click on phishing emails or suspicious links.”
The massive outage began at 1:20 a.m. ET on Friday when CrowdStrike began pushing out a flawed update to its Falcon security product, which protects Windows hosts. Screens around the world went blue and froze with a devastating message known as the “Blue Screen of Death.”
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A man working on a desktop Windows PC. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
How to protect yourself from threat actors pretending to be CrowdStrike or Microsoft
- Do not click on the link Any texts or emails related to CrowdStrike or Windows disruptions.
- Get yourself a life jacket in the form of strong antivirus protection and be prepared to weather this digital storm. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that could install malware and access your personal information is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection will also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the winners of the best antivirus protection of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
- Use only official sources To resolve such security incidents.
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz addressed the global outage his company caused and explained the situation in an updated statement:
“We understand the seriousness of the situation and deeply apologize for any inconvenience and trouble caused. We are working with all affected customers to get our systems back up and running and providing the service they expect.”
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How to Recover from a Blue Screen of Death
CrowdStrike is actively working to deploy an earlier version of its Falcon software through its official channels, before it caused destructive damage across the world. If you’re experiencing issues with a Windows PC or laptop, there are alternative workarounds that can help resolve the issue. The company has provided these additional steps that you can follow if you’re still having issues with your Windows computer:
Workaround steps for individual hosts:
- Reboot the host This will give you a chance to download the restored channel file. If the host crashes again:
- Start Windows in Safe Mode or Windows Recovery EnvironmentNote: Connect the host to a wired network Using Safe Mode with Networking (not Wi-Fi) can help with repairs.
- Navigate to the %WINDIR%\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike directory
- Find files matching “C-00000291*.sys”. Delete.
- Boot the host normally.
Note: Bitlocker encrypted hosts may require a recovery key.
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Important points about the cart
Cybercriminals are quick to take advantage of technical glitches like the massive Windows outage caused by CrowdStrike. The lesson here is to take your privacy and security into your own hands by making yourself as resistant to attacks as possible. We recommend running good antivirus software on every device you use in your life and that of your family. Read our review of the best antivirus protection for 2024 As for options.
What steps do you think governments and technology companies should take to prevent and mitigate the impact of such large-scale IT outages in the future? Cyberguy.com/Contact Us
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