A global IT outage has hit the UK, with healthcare services and transportation infrastructure affected. GPs have struggled to access online records systems, causing issues with online bookings, while pharmacy services, including access to prescriptions, were also impacted. Long queues at airports and some TV channels going off air were also consequences of the outage.
Cyber security firm Crowdstrike identified the issue as a defect in a content update and has said that it was not caused by a cyberattack or a security breach. The problem had already been located, isolated, and rectified by George Kurtz, the CEO of Crowdstrike.
To deal with the significant outage that resulted, the government coordinated its response through Cobra, the emergency response committee. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, announced that ministers were working closely with their respective industries on the issue. The NHS was aware of the global outage and was addressing issues with its EMIS system, which allows GPs to manage appointments, patient consultations and keeps patient records. However, there were no known negative consequences for emergency services or 999.
Transportation infrastructure was also affected as delays and cancellations were experienced at UK airports. Heathrow was impacted by the outage, with select systems affected, while Gatwick Airport said e-gates and check-in systems faced problems, leading to manual check-ins. Edinburgh airport saw significant disruption, with 17 flights cancelled and 24 others grounded. Train services are still operational, but short-notice cancellations may occur and real-time customer information platforms may be affected.
The IT issues have now been fixed, however those waiting for their flights are urged to monitor communications from their airlines and keep essential items in their carry-on if they check in their bags
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