New CrowdStrike Update Triggers Blue Screen of Death on Microsoft Windows, Impacting Numerous Users

Issue Overview: A recent update from CrowdStrike has led to widespread Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors among Windows users. The problem affects various sensor versions, and CrowdStrike has acknowledged the issue and is currently investigating, as noted in a pinned message on the company’s forum.

Affected Parties

• Australia: The issue was initially reported by Australian banks, airlines, and TV broadcasters. Sky News faced disruptions in airing its morning bulletins, and Ryanair experienced IT problems affecting flight departures.
• Europe: The problem spread to Europe, with the UK’s Sky News unable to broadcast, and Ryanair facing flight-related IT issues. The Federal Aviation Administration in the US grounded flights for Delta, United, and American Airlines due to communication problems, while Berlin airport warned of travel delays.
• India: IT organizations and airlines like Akasa Airlines and SpiceJet faced technical issues. Akasa Airlines’ booking and check-in systems were down at Mumbai and Delhi airports, leading to manual check-in procedures. SpiceJet also encountered issues with flight updates and is working on resolutions.

CrowdStrike’s Response: CrowdStrike has acknowledged the problem related to their Falcon sensor and has reverted the faulty update. However, affected machines still require manual intervention. IT administrators are dealing with the issue by booting into safe mode and deleting specific system files, a process that is particularly challenging for cloud-based servers and remote laptops. Reports from IT professionals highlight severe disruptions, with companies offline and devices stuck in boot loops.

Next Steps:

• Technical Alert (TA): CrowdStrike is expected to release a TA detailing the issue and possible workarounds soon. This alert will be available in the pinned forum thread.
• User Guidance:
  • Avoid DIY Fixes: Do not attempt to resolve the issue yourself until the official Technical Alert is released.
  • Monitor Updates: Keep an eye on the pinned forum thread for the latest information and temporary solutions.
  • Be Patient: Resolving software conflicts may take time. CrowdStrike is actively working on a fix and will provide updates as they become available.

CrowdStrike’s Automated Reply: CrowdStrike has confirmed that they are aware of the BSOD errors linked to the Falcon Sensor. Their engineering teams are addressing the issue, and there is no need to open a support ticket. Status updates will be provided as more information becomes available, including when the issue is resolved.

For Users Experiencing BSODs: If you are encountering BSOD errors following the recent CrowdStrike update, you are not alone. This issue is widespread, and the upcoming Technical Alert will likely offer specific details on affected sensor versions and potential workarounds. For urgent concerns, consider contacting CrowdStrike support directly.