fbpx
CrowdStrike update causing computer problems nationwide.

CrowdStrike update causing computer problems nationwide.

Jul 19, 2024 | Cybersecurity, IT Management, Managed Services, News and Announcements

It’s an early Aloha Friday morning and for many it will be one to remember!  We want to inform you about a recent series of significant outages impacting various industries across the nation, including hotels, banks, airlines, and other major services.

Overview of the Incident

In recent hours, a major global IT outage has affected several critical sectors, causing disruptions in services and operations. This widespread issue was primarily triggered by a faulty update from CrowdStrike, which led to numerous systems experiencing the infamous Windows “blue screen of death” (BSOD) error. The resulting downtime has caused significant inconvenience and operational challenges for many businesses.

Cowabunga! Computers does not deploy CrowdStrike to any of its computers or servers under management, so the impact to your computer and daily business should be minimal. Because of the sheer number of other businesses being disrupted as well as news reporting on this issue, we wanted you to simply be aware this should not affect any of Cowabunga! Computers managed services users.

Industries Affected

The impact of this outage has been extensive, affecting:

  • Airlines: Major airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines faced flight delays and cancellations due to communication system failures.
  • Banks: Financial institutions experienced interruptions in online banking services and ATM networks.
  • Hotels: Hospitality services saw disruptions in reservation systems and guest management processes.

Cause and Implications

The root cause of this widespread disruption was a problematic update from CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm. This update, designed to enhance security, inadvertently caused severe compatibility issues with Microsoft Windows systems, leading to widespread crashes and operational halts.

Our Commitment to Your Security

At Cowabunga Computers, we understand the critical nature of these outages and are committed to ensuring your business remains secure and resilient. Here’s how we’re supporting you:

  1. Enhanced Monitoring: We are closely monitoring all systems to detect and address any anomalies promptly.
  2. Proactive Measures: Implementing additional safeguards to prevent similar issues from affecting your operations.
  3. 24/7 Emergency Support: Providing round-the-clock support to assist with any concerns or technical issues you may encounter.

Are you using CrowdStrike? Have you been affected?

If you are not currently a customer but suspect you may be affected by these issues and cannot get a timely response from your current provider, we invite you to reach out to us. Our team is ready to provide the support and solutions you need.

Thank you for your continued trust in Cowabunga Computers. Together, we can ensure the security and resilience of your business.

Why a Maintenance Contract is Better Than a “Break-Fix” Approach

Why a Maintenance Contract is Better Than a “Break-Fix” Approach

May 20, 2024 | IT Management, Managed Services

What is “Break-Fix”?

First, let’s define what “break-fix” means. In a break-fix approach, you only call for IT support when something goes wrong. Imagine if you only went to the doctor when you were very sick, rather than going for regular check-ups to stay healthy. This is how break-fix works: you fix things when they break.

What is a Maintenance Contract?

A maintenance contract, on the other hand, is like having a health plan for your computer systems. With a maintenance contract, you have ongoing IT support and regular check-ups to ensure everything is running smoothly. It’s a proactive approach rather than a reactive one.

Benefits of a Maintenance Contract

  1. Prevention of Issues:
    • Regular Check-Ups: Just like regular medical check-ups can prevent major health issues, regular IT check-ups can prevent major technical problems.
    • Early Detection: Potential problems can be identified and resolved before they become serious, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
  2. Cost Savings:
    • Predictable Budget: With a maintenance contract, you pay a fixed monthly fee, making your IT expenses predictable and easier to budget.
    • Avoid Costly Repairs: Preventing issues through regular maintenance can save you from expensive repairs or replacements when things break unexpectedly.
  3. Increased Efficiency:
    • Optimal Performance: Regular maintenance ensures your systems are running at their best, which improves overall efficiency and productivity.
    • Minimal Downtime: By addressing potential issues before they cause failures, your systems experience less downtime, keeping your business operations smooth.
  4. Access to Expertise:
    • Dedicated Support: With a maintenance contract, you have access to a dedicated team of IT professionals who are familiar with your systems and needs.
    • Proactive Advice: The team can provide recommendations on upgrades and improvements to keep your technology up-to-date and secure.
  5. Security and Compliance:
    • Regular Updates: Maintenance contracts include regular updates and patches, ensuring your systems are protected against the latest security threats.
  6. Peace of Mind:
    • Reliable Support: Knowing you have a team ready to handle any issues gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on running your business.
    • Emergency Response: In case of unexpected problems, maintenance contract clients often receive priority support, reducing the impact of any issues.

In summary, a maintenance contract is a smart investment for your business. It ensures your IT systems are well-maintained, secure, and running efficiently, while saving you money and giving you peace of mind. Instead of waiting for problems to occur, you can prevent them and keep your business operations running smoothly.