Multiple Windows PCs Suffered from BSODs Due to a Global Outage

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Sources claim that a faulty update from cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike is to blame

Today, millions of PCs experienced the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), causing systems to suddenly shut down. The outage only affected Windows-based systems but had a significant effect on several industries including BPO, banking, and airlines. This also caused employees to suddenly stop working and sending reports to their respective employers.

For banking systems, many online functionalities, such as online payment and deposits, have malfunctioned. Local banks like BPI, Metrobank, and BDO have sent their users a warning that their systems are currently down due to the ongoing outage.

Microsoft said that the outage was due to a faulty Crowdstrike Falcon update. In case you’re not aware, Crowdstrike is a global cybersecurity firm focused on developing antimalware software. Particularly, the Falcon software is installed by many organizations worldwide as a real-time security against malware and other suspicious activities. Windows PCs installed with Falcon are the ones affected, causing the aforementioned BSOD.

The issue mainly affected cloud-based Windows PCs that rely on Windows 365. Microsoft advised their users to do a system restore prior to the update (July 19, 2024). They can follow these instructions listed in Microsoft’s blog. Macs and Linux systems are not affected.

However, the issue cannot be resolved with a simple patch alone. Users need to go into safe mode and penetrate through Crowdstrike’s directories to fully restore their systems. Experienced users will have an easier time doing this than those who are not. Follow these instructions:

  1. Boot up Windows to Safe Mode or through the Windows Recovery Environment. Detailed instructions to boot into safe mode can be found here.
  2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\Crowdstrike once booted
  3. Locate the file C-00000291*.sys then delete it. Enter your administrator password if required.
  4. Turn off your PC and boot normally.

Source: The Conversation, MacRumors, CNBC, Forbes, NDTV World

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