Microsoft Rushes Out Recovery Tool to Combat Global Windows Crash

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The recent CrowdStrike antivirus update caused Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors or inaccessible screens on at least 8.5 million Windows devices worldwide, starting on the evening of Friday, July 19. The issue has been gradually improved over the weekend.

Microsoft has responded swiftly to the BSOD outbreak by releasing a dedicated recovery tool. Designed to simplify troubleshooting, this tool allows users to create a bootable Windows USB drive and facilitates rapid crash recovery.

Recognizing that not all users are comfortable with manual troubleshooting steps, Microsoft has programmed the tool to function automatically. This eliminates the need for users to manually enter Safe Mode and remove the problematic CrowdStrike update files themselves.

The recovery tool operates by booting into the Windows PE environment via a USB drive and accessing the affected PC's hard drive. It then automatically removes the faulty CrowdStrike files, enabling the computer to boot normally again.

However, the tool has limitations. It is incompatible with computer disks encrypted using BitLocker, requiring users to input their recovery key before initiating repairs. Additionally, Microsoft has published separate recovery instructions tailored specifically for Windows virtual machines on Azure.

Full Recovery May Take Weeks

CrowdStrike CEO, George Kurtz, cautions that a complete recovery could take several weeks. Many organizations are still grappling with the aftermath of the outage. He urges users to remain vigilant against malicious actors who may attempt to exploit the situation.

Bleeping Computer also warns of emerging threats involving cybercriminals impersonating CrowdStrike or BBVA Bank. These actors are attempting to trick users into installing malware through at least two separate malicious campaigns. Disguised as updates for CrowdStrike, the malware can hijack user machines or erase data.

As the outage subsides, concerns regarding the financial repercussions are emerging. Experts estimate that the cost of this disruption could reach billions of dollars due to the widespread nature of the outage. While calculating the exact cost remains challenging during the recovery phase, the potential for significant financial losses is undeniable.

Whether CrowdStrike clients can claim compensation will depend on their specific contract terms, particularly whether these contracts were breached during the outage. If a breach is not established, affected users might seek legal recourse for negligence.

Given the scale of the incident, New Zealand law firm Russell McVeagh deems a class-action lawsuit a "real possibility." Insurance companies are also bracing themselves for a wave of claims related to the outage. However, the success of such claims will be determined by the specific type of insurance coverage each user possesses.

Since the outage began on Friday, CrowdStrike's share price has plummeted nearly 22%, resulting in a loss of approximately US$16 billion in company valuation. The potential for additional financial losses due to compensation claims presents another layer of concern for the antivirus provider.

ALIF ILHAM FAJRIADI

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