Title: "CrowdStrike Software Bug Chaos: How Norsk Hydro Handled a Cyberattack with Pen and Paper"
In July, a botched software update caused chaos for the airline industry worldwide. When the CrowdStrike software bug bricked 8.5 million computers around the world on 19 July, some of the first people to notice the effects were air travelers. Anthony Bosman, an academic at Andrews University in Michigan, experienced the impact firsthand when he couldn't download a mobile boarding pass and had to get a handwritten boarding pass at the airport.
The CrowdStrike bug affected not only airlines but also banks, telecoms firms, health services, and online retailers. This incident highlights the importance of being prepared for IT failures and cyberattacks. Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy firm, faced a ransomware attack in 2019 that locked staff out of 20,000 computers. Instead of paying the ransom, they resorted to using paper instructions and old binders to keep the business running.
Companies are now advised to plan for switching to paper-based processes in case of IT failure. Training employees to use pen and paper systems as backups can be crucial in maintaining operations during a cyber incident. While paper-based processes have limitations, such as scalability and coordination challenges, they can serve as effective workarounds in emergencies.
It's essential for companies to have off-site data backups and alternative communication methods, like messaging groups or Chromebooks, in place to mitigate the impact of cyber incidents. Investing in secure data backup services, like those offered by eSilo and Databarracks, can help ensure business continuity in the face of cyber threats.
In conclusion, being prepared for IT failures and cyberattacks is crucial for businesses in today's digital age. Implementing backup plans, training employees on pen and paper systems, and investing in secure data backup services can help companies navigate through crises and keep operations running smoothly.