Local IT Company Addresses CrowdStrike Incident

Lockbaud, a Kansas City-based IT services provider, highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures in response to a recent CrowdStrike update that caused widespread system disruptions and blue screen errors.

Sam Sapp, Lockbaud

Sam Sapp, owner of Lockbaud, emphasized the irony and significance of this incident, given CrowdStrike's role as a prominent cybersecurity provider.

"This situation underscores a critical lesson in IT security: even tools designed to protect us can sometimes be the source of disruption," Sapp stated.

The incident, which began on July 18, 2024, affected numerous organizations worldwide, causing system crashes and operational interruptions. CrowdStrike has confirmed that the issue stemmed from a defect in a single content update for Windows hosts and is not related to a security breach or cyberattack.

Key points highlighted by Sapp include:

- Widespread Impact: The incident affected banks, airports, supermarkets, and mediavcompanies across multiple countries.

- System Vulnerabilities: Even trusted security solutions can introduce vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for robust backup and recovery processes.

- Rapid Response: CrowdStrike's quick acknowledgment and efforts to resolve the issue demonstrate the importance of transparent communication during IT crises.

Sapp offered the following advice for businesses in light of this incident:

- Implement Staged Updates: Roll out updates to a small subset of systems before full deployment to catch potential issues early.

- Maintain Offline Backups: Keep recent system backups that are not connected to the network to facilitate quick recovery if needed.

-Diversify Security Solutions: Avoid relying solely on one security provider to mitigate risks associated with single points of failure.

- Enhance Incident Response Plans: Regularly update and practice incident response procedures to ensure preparedness for unexpected disruptions.

"While this incident is unfortunate, it serves as a valuable reminder of the complexities in cybersecurity," Sapp added. "It reinforces the need for layered security approaches and robust contingency planning."

Lockbaud remains committed to helping businesses navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity challenges. The company continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to assist clients in implementing best practices to prevent and mitigate similar incidents in the future.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.