Microsoft Responds to Service Outage: Guidance for Affected Users
Microsoft is working to address the impact of its recent service outage on users who are experiencing issues with its applications and services. The company’s latest software update, Crowdstrike, has caused blue screen loops and is currently affecting various industries, including airlines, banks, and companies in general.
According to the National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE), a reboot may be enough to restore normal operation for some users, while others may need manual intervention. To correct the issue, users are advised to run Windows in safe mode, navigate to the “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike” directory, locate the file “C-00000291*.sys”, and delete it.
INCIBE is in contact with affected entities, critical, and strategic operators to offer support and guidance. Users can reach out to the organization for assistance through the following channels:
- Telegram: @INCIBE017
- Online form submission
Additionally, INCIBE has implemented a special care protocol to manage the situation and ensure prompt resolution.
Root Cause and Impact
The issue was detected at 10:20 PM on Thursday evening, following an update to Microsoft’s antivirus sensor component from Crowdstrike. This update has caused technical problems for Microsoft customers, resulting in the blue screen appearance, blocking system operation, and preventing correct system functionality.
Crowdstrike is currently implementing mitigation and recovery measures for affected systems and customers. The company is also working on a new update to replace the problematic one to avoid further impacts on services.