A Microsoft error caused by an update to an anti-virus program by CrowdStrike led to a global IT outage, leaving Windows computers inoperable. Amidst the chaos, Vincent Flibustier, a satirical writer, created a fake persona as a CrowdStrike employee responsible for the update, gaining viral attention online.
Flibustier’s altered, AI-generated photo and tweet about causing the outage quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and shares. He later admitted to the hoax and was fired by the company.
Despite his intentions to create humor, some users took his satire seriously, with airlines, banks, TV channels, and other industries affected by the outage blaming Flibustier for their technical issues. Flibustier’s appearance on France TV shed light on why people are drawn to such stories that confirm their preconceptions and need for a culprit.
Meanwhile, Microsoft and CrowdStrike are working to resolve the IT issues caused by the faulty update, which was meant to enhance security against cyber threats. The update resulted in blue screens of death for many users, causing widespread tech outages and disruption across the globe.
Millions of users are still facing issues as both companies work to fix the problem. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of software updates and the potential consequences of faulty code in the cybersecurity industry.
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Photo credit www.ndtv.com