Important Update: Major Cloud Service Outage and Falcon Sensor Issues - July 18, 2024

?? Issue Reported

On July 18, 2024, Microsoft experienced a substantial outage affecting multiple cloud services, including Azure, Microsoft 365, Xbox Cloud, cloud databases, file storage, security services, and mobility solutions. Concurrently, a related issue with the CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor caused Windows hosts to crash and display blue screen errors.

?? Sectors Impacted

The outage had a widespread impact across various industries:

- Airlines: Delta, United, Frontier, and IndiGo faced grounding issues, causing significant delays and queues at airports.

- Logistics and Manufacturing: Major hubs were down, affecting operations and supply chain management.

- Hospitality: Hotels and cab operators were unable to process bookings, resulting in substantial disruptions.

- Technology and Gaming: Xbox Cloud services and other tech-related services experienced significant downtime.

- Security Services: The issue with CrowdStrike's Falcon Sensor impacted numerous Windows hosts, exacerbating the overall disruption.

? Downtime and Impact

The outage lasted for over 10 hours, causing severe disruptions in the affected sectors. Essential services, including airport infrastructure and hotel booking systems, were rendered non-operational, highlighting the extensive reach and impact of the outage.

?? Recovery Steps

Microsoft and CrowdStrike have taken immediate actions to mitigate the issues and restore services. Here are the recovery steps provided for the Falcon Sensor issue:

1. Boot Windows into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment.

2. Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike directory.

3. Locate the file matching “C-00000291.sys” and delete it.

4. Boot the host normally.

?? Latest Updates

As of July 19, 2024, at 05:30 AM UTC, a tech alert was published, providing the above workaround steps for resolving the Falcon Sensor-related crashes.

?? Support and Mitigation Strategies

Transasia Soft Tech Pvt Ltd offers comprehensive solutions to help businesses address third-party risks and enhance their resilience strategies. Our services include:

- Risk Assessment and Management: Identifying and mitigating third-party risks associated with cloud services and cybersecurity.

- Incident Response Planning: Developing and implementing robust incident response plans to handle disruptions efficiently.

- Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Providing ongoing monitoring and improvement of security measures to safeguard against future incidents.

- Customized Solutions: Tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of your organization, ensuring maximum protection and operational continuity.

?? Contact Us

For further assistance and detailed guidance on mitigating third-party risks and enhancing your organization's resilience, please contact Transasia Soft Tech Pvt Ltd through our Support Portal.