Microsoft says the European Union was responsible for the world's largest computer outage on Friday after a faulty security update.
Due to a 2009 agreement with the European Commission, Microsoft was unable to make security changes that would have prevented the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike update that caused the massive outage. 8.5 million computersThe tech giant said in statements to the Wall Street Journal.
Thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled, stranding passengers at airports around the world, the UK's NHS has been impacted and contactless payments are not working.
The problem arose due to a faulty update to CrowdStrike's Falcon system, which is designed to prevent cyber attacks. This system has privileged access to a key part of the computer, the kernel.
Microsoft has Windows Defender, the in-house alternative to CrowdStrike, but because of a 2009 deal to avoid a European competition investigation, it has allowed many security vendors to install software at the kernel level.
Apple in EU crosshairs over competition rules
Since the early 2000s, the European Commission has accused Microsoft of enjoying an unfair advantage over other companies due to the popularity of its Windows software.
Microsoft's main competitor, Apple, blocked access to the kernel of its Mac computers in 2020, arguing that it would improve security and reliability.
talking Wall Street JournalA Microsoft spokesperson said the company could not make such a change due to the EU agreement.
Microsoft confirmed that up to 8.5 million Windows devices were affected by the outage, which represents less than 1% of all devices using the software. However, the impact was significant because CrowdStrike is widely used by businesses.
CrowdStrike stated that a “A large number” The affected computers have been brought back online and have apologized for what happened.
As part of his new job Digital Markets ActEurope is currently trying to force Apple to provide access to its iPhone to allow the use of other app stores and web browsers.
Euronews Next has contacted Microsoft for comment.
“Certified gamer. Problem solver. Internet enthusiast. Twitter scholar. Infuriatingly humble alcohol geek. Tv guru.”
