User:Koalaathome3/sandbox

//The CrowdStrike/Microsoft Outage//

This outage is also known as the 'Global IT outage.' On the 19th of July 2024, Australian-based banks started reporting a 'Black Screen of Death', which occurs when you have faulty hardware, which may occur when your hardware collects dust, defect fans, or faulty RAM/HDD/SSD. Multiple news outlets went off-the-air, such as Sky News, which was off-air for most of the day it occurred. News outlets that have not been affected, such as New Zealand-based TV company TVNZ, were reporting that it may be a cyberattack.

Cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which is a team sponsor for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, made a faulty update, which is spreading the BSOD to supermarkets, small businesses, banks, and much more. In the first reported case, which was Australia, reported that Australian-based banks, airlines, and thousands of machines have been cut offline due to the outage.

//Australian-New Zealand outage// Supermarkets in New Zealand, also started reporting that machines had an outbreak of the BSOD outage. Customers that were shopping at Woolworths (known as Countdown, in New Zealand), have noticed that many machines at counters were closed due to the 'Blue Screen Of Death' appearing on screens.

//Grounded flights// Many airlines all over the world have reported that certain plane systems were not working. This has caused many flights to be grounded as of 19th-20th July 2024.

//Tech companies// Many giant tech companies are also reporting that their devices have ceased to be working; plunging many great tech companies into said 'chaos'.

//The Australian Government's National Security// Just before 4:30 PM AEST, on a Friday, the Australian government's National Cybersecurity Coordinator, released a statement, confirming a severe outbreak of this outage. Many supermarkets in Australia also confirmed that many machines were having the very severe outbreak of the outage.

//Faulty update// US cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, uploaded a faulty update to many Windows computers, which many Windows users woke up to see a Blue Screen of death on their computers. CrowdStrike partner Microsoft confirmed on one of their social media accounts that they were aware that users were not 'being able to access Microsoft services.'

//Windows// Windows provided an update right after 4pm on Friday afternoon that it was still in the process of combatting the issue. Images emerged on social media in Sydney of many flights being delayed. Passengers flying that afternoon were advised to allow a little more extra time for check-in. Apparently the cause of this outage was CrowdStrike's 'falcon agent' which triggered the international issues.

(Please note that this story was made on the day of the impact and that updates will begin to appear as they emerge.)