CrowdStrike outage inspires ongoing discussions on digital resilience

The recent global IT outage triggered by a CrowdStrike Falcon update, has sparked ongoing discussions of the need to improve resiliency for our digital world, and how such outages impact specific industries.

Among those affected by the CrowdStrike error were airlines, banking institutions, media companies, and even healthcare services. This disruption has prompted experts to call for stronger digital infrastructure and systems to avoid future occurrences.

Matthew Hardman, Chief Technology Officer at Hitachi Vantara, underscored the event as a stark illustration of the vulnerabilities present in today's digitised world.

"Organisations are not necessarily ready for an outage on core business processes," Hardman explained. He emphasised the importance of implementing robust infrastructures with data protection features, such as data immutability and consistent deployment processes, which can support quick recovery and business continuity.

Hardman further highlighted that disruptions like this erode public trust, advising that the event should serve as a catalyst for organisations to prepare their systems for unexpected failures. "Partnering with a hybrid cloud infrastructure company can significantly aid in building a comprehensive data resiliency strategy," he added.

The repercussions of the outage were widespread, affecting everything from online transactions and card payments to NHS appointments. Stephen Johnson, CEO of Quality Engineering Consultancy Roq, noted the severity of the issue. “When compromised, it has a devastating effect,” he said, comparing the significance of digital infrastructures to the core infrastructure of society.

Johnson argued that underinvestment in technology can lead to long-term consequences and that a shift from prioritising speed to valuing quality is crucial.

"Until the quality of technology is seen as a serious risk factor at board level, we’ll continue to encounter these issues," he remarked. He also stressed the importance of implementing fast, automated testing systems and fostering a culture of quality as a priority.

Mike Maddison, CEO of global cybersecurity firm NCC Group, pointed out that the incident casts a spotlight on the need for robust cyber resilience and effective incident management plans. "Disruption at one stage in a digital supply chain can have a ripple effect all the way throughout it," Maddison noted, and urged organisations to take immediate remedial actions based on CrowdStrike's guidance.

Rob Aspin, Head of Computing at the University of Central Lancashire, echoed these sentiments, advising individuals and businesses alike to remain patient and follow official guidance. He added that businesses should ensure all protective measures are in place to safeguard their own operations and their supply chains.

Andrew Lemonofides, Global Managing Director at software escrow solutions provider Escode, and Ian Cairns, Director at TalkTalk Business, also weighed in on the discussion. Lemonofides emphasised the critical need for reliable technology in business operations, while Cairns stressed the importance of making sure that business-critical data remains secure and accessible.

As organisations worldwide grapple with the aftereffects of the CrowdStrike-induced outage, the focus on improving the robustness and security of IT systems has never been more pronounced. The consensus among experts is clear: significant and continued investment in digital infrastructure, quality engineering, and comprehensive disaster recovery plans are essential to mitigate future risks and ensure business continuity.