Global impact of CrowdStrike outage
Institutional Communication Service
22 July 2024
A recent faulty update of CrowdStrike's Falcon Sensor security software caused crashes on numerous Windows computers worldwide, affecting critical sectors such as transportation, banking and media. Antonio Carzaniga, full professor and founding member of the Faculty of Informatics at Università della Svizzera italiana, and Marco D'Ambros, director of CodeLounge at USI Software Institute, provided an in-depth analysis of the implications of this event in several interviews published by Corriere del Ticino and RSI.
Professor Carzaniga explained that the "sensor" of CrowdStrike's security system, which was affected by the error, is remotely managed and automatically updated. The specific error only affected Windows systems because of the unique design of the component for this operating system. However, the fault lies not with Windows but with the security component containing the errors.
The professor emphasised the need to develop more robust and more reliable systems, using the example of aeronautical engineering, where multiple hydraulic support systems are in place to ensure safety. He also stressed the importance of implementing better engineering practices, such as redundant systems, to prevent a single component from causing extensive failures.
Marco D'Ambros, Director of CodeLounge at USI Software Institute, contributed to the discussion by emphasising the increasing reliance on technology and the influence that companies like Amazon and Microsoft hold over daily life worldwide. He suggested a need for critical thinking regarding cybersecurity management and the effects of these tech giants, emphasising the necessity for a broader debate on these significant issues.
D'Ambros raised concerns about the security and internal testing processes of software companies. He emphasised the importance of rigorous procedures to prevent such failures. Additionally, he discussed the responsibility of IT giants and the increasing global interconnectedness, highlighting the need for critical reflection on our technological dependence.
The full interviews with Antonio Carzaniga and Marco D'Ambros are available at the following link (Italian only):
