Early Friday, a global IT outage caused by an issue with cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted flights, banks, retailers, stock exchanges, 911 call centers, and media outlets. Experts say this could be one of the largest IT outages in modern history.

Bloomberg reported that CrowdStrike warned customers that its Falcon Sensor threat-monitoring product was the source of the chaos, causing Microsoft’s Windows operating system to crash. There was no mention of what triggered the issue, and there were reports of disruptions in Microsoft’s Azure cloud and 365 Office software. 

“We’re aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform,” Microsoft said in a statement, adding, “We anticipate a resolution is forthcoming.” 

Also here in Philippines pic.twitter.com/ZUnTqzk59r

— Capricorn (@el_capricious) July 19, 2024

Alan Woodward, professor of cybersecurity at Surrey University, told Bloomberg this global outage is “unprecedented” and warned “the economic impact will be huge.” 

Australian web security consultant Troy Hunt wrote on X, “I don’t think it’s too early to call it: this will be the largest IT outage in history.” 

I don’t think it’s too early to call it: this will be the largest IT outage in history

— Troy Hunt (@troyhunt) July 19, 2024

Following the news, Microsoft shares slid 2% in premarket trading. Meanwhile, Crowdstrike tumbled as much as 14%. 

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz posted on X that the company is “actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted.” 

“This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” Kurtz said. 

He added, “We further recommend organizations ensure they’re communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers.” 

CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. We…

— George Kurtz (@George_Kurtz) July 19, 2024

The first disruptions were reported in the overnight hours and have since become global.

Major disruptions are listed below:

More specifically, in the US, the FAA said the airlines United, American, Delta, and Allegiant had all been grounded. 

Current American Airlines flights over the US https://t.co/mMJQTuVydg pic.twitter.com/QE9L0n01SR

— AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) July 19, 2024

Whoops. 

Some JPMorgan Employees Unable to Log On Amid Global Outages: bbg

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) July 19, 2024

Bloomberg provides more color on the individual companies suffering from the global IT outage: 

On Friday, McDonald’s Corp., United Airlines Holdings Inc., and the LSE Group were among the major companies to disclose a variety of issues with communications to customer service. KLM said it was suspending most flights because of a global computer outage. They were among the more prominent global corporations to report issues with their operations.

On the disruption, Musk comments with “…” 

… https://t.co/X9a2ghyo4P

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 19, 2024

Adding. 

Biggest IT fail ever

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 19, 2024

Sigh.

Maybe putting ALL global computer-linked services on the cloud to save a few bucks wasn’t such a good idea

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) July 19, 2024

She has a point.

Bill Gates wanted to remind you why you’re never getting the Epstein list. You want your flights and banking to work, dontcha?
Why do we have any dependence on anything Microsoft? It’s just stupidity, our captured systems. Decentralize everything so this can’t happen, and when…

— Jessica Vaugn (@JessicaVaugn) July 19, 2024

Bitcoin still worked during disruption. 

The UK Debt Management Office said tenders for Friday’s Treasury bill auction will now close at the later time of 2:30 p.m. because of “ongoing technical issues affecting financial markets.”

Entire financial world crashed because of a Microsoft glitch yet bitcoin doing just…

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) July 19, 2024

*Developing..