THE dreaded "blue screen of death" that tells users Microsoft Windows has crashed appeared on computers around the globe, sending systems into meltdown.
Yesterday's crash, caused by a faulty update by cybersecurity firm, CrowdStrike, sparked chaos at UK airports, with huge queues forming and passengers told to stay away if their flights were cancelled.
TV channels, including Sky News and kids' favourite CBBC, went off air, supermarkets and banks had problems with payments and GP surgeries in England were unable to book appointments or call up patient records, while pharmacies had problems with deliveries and with accessing prescriptions from GPS.
Rail firms warned of disruption, train ticket vending machines stopped working and even cabbies struggled to take Visa card payments.
An emergency Cobra meeting was held by officials in Whitehall to discuss the chaos.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "All ministers, including the Prime Minister, are being informed on the latest."
Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said: "Ministers are working with their sectors and respective industries on the issue." Cyber security expert Dr Harjinder Lallie, from the University of Warwick, labelled the outage "unprecedented".
Dan Coatsworth, analyst at AJ Bell, said: "It shows the dark side to technology and that relying on computers doesn't always make life easier." Security consultant Troy Hunt said: "I don't think it's too early to call it. This will be the largest IT outage in history.
George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike, the cyber-security company behind the crash, apologised and posted: "This is not a security incident or cyber attack.
Denne historien er fra July 20, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 20, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DOPPELGANGERL
Hudson-Odoi hails Wood as Forest's very own Haaland
REDDY TO TAKE OVER!
Slot's relentless side are in a commanding position to grab the crown that is falling from City's grasp
Loss of urgency, LEWIS lack of care and a huge 82 drop off in form killing City's season
SHORTLY after Cody Gakpo had opened the scoring amid more abject defending from Manchester City, Phil Foden had to receive treatment for a knock to the knee.
AMOR TO THE POINT
It's only taken Ruben three games but United are already playing with style and swagger
Red scare can't stop Botafogo
ALEX TELLES scored from the spot as Botafogo overcame a first-minute red card to be crowned South America's champions at the Copa Libertadores.
QATAR ZERO
It's the pits as Lewis finishes pointless after puncture & two penalties
Ryggs is a lethal weapon
RYGGS JOHNSTON won on only his second DP World Tour start as he captured the Australian Open in impressive fashion.
BRY & MIGHTY
Stokes hails Carse as 'three bowlers in one' as 10-wicket haul fires England to victory
REED ON THE ROAD TO TOP OF THE WORLD
ARRON REED was tipped for \"world-class\" status after scoring twice as Sale hit Leicester for six.
IT'S MOUTH ALMIGHTY
LOSSIEMOUTH is as short as 6-4 favourite (from 5-2) for the Champion Hurdle next March after posting an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
