When computers and tech systems worldwide experienced a major outage, causing disruptions in airports, Social Security offices, and jails, many people were left wondering how such a thing could happen in 2024. It turns out that a software update from a cybersecurity company named CrowdStrike was responsible for the chaos. This incident highlights the vulnerability of the global economy and its dependence on computer systems that most people never think about. The faulty update affected computers running Windows, which is widely used globally. CrowdStrike is a prominent player in the cybersecurity software industry, and while its services protect many businesses and governments, experts warn that reliance on a few firms creates its own risks. The incident has raised questions about the need for new policy tools to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
