Title: How CrowdStrike Software Bug Caused Chaos for Airlines and Banks - Lessons for Cybersecurity
In July, a botched software update by CrowdStrike led to chaos for the airline industry, affecting air travelers worldwide. The bug also impacted banks, telecom firms, health services, and online retailers. A senior executive from CrowdStrike appeared before a US congressional committee to apologize for the chaos caused.
The incident highlights the importance of having manual methods and paper-based processes as backups in case of IT failures or cyber-attacks. Companies like Norsk Hydro, which faced a ransomware attack in 2019, had to rely on paper instructions and old-fashioned methods to continue operations.
Experts recommend that companies plan for switching to paper-based processes in case of IT failures and practice using manual methods periodically. It's crucial to have off-site data backups and alternative communication channels in place to ensure business continuity during cyber incidents.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while modern computer systems are sophisticated, simple and improvised workarounds like pen and paper systems can save companies in times of crisis. It's important for organizations to be prepared for cyber-attacks and have contingency plans in place to keep operations running smoothly.