July 2024 Newsletter
Posted By: Mark Wednesday 14th August 2024 Tags: AI, Artificial Intelligence, cyber crime, Cyber Security, Data Protection, Microsoft 365, Newsletter, ransomware, Scam, tech predictions, technologyThis month: Crowdstrike outage, a history of internet outages, online meetings integrating AI, Virtual Reality headsets, QR code scams plus it’s a happy anniversary to Mark Shields.
Crowdstrike Outage Causes Global Chaos
The cybersecurity landscape was recently shaken by a significant cyber event when CrowdStrike, a leader in cloud-delivered endpoint protection, experienced a substantial outage. This incident has had far-reaching implications for businesses and cybersecurity practices worldwide.
What Caused the Crowdstrike Outage?
On July 18th, a routine update from CrowdStrike began causing unexpected problems for IT systems globally. The issue was particularly severe as it affected Windows systems. A subsequent update to the Falcon sensor software, which is integral to CrowdStrike’s protection services, contained a coding error leading to the infamous ‘Blue Screen of Death’ on millions of Windows computers worldwide.
CrowdStrike’s Response
CrowdStrike’s response was swift and seemingly transparent. CEO George Kurtz announced that 97% of the affected Windows servers were back online within a week of the incident. The company actively worked with customers impacted by the defect found in the Windows update. They also provided instructional videos and updates to their initial remediation to accelerate the recovery process. It should be noted that the ‘fix’ to the faulty update was relatively cumbersome and time consuming for many people to implement.
Impact of the Crowdstrike Outage on Businesses
The outage had a profound impact on businesses across various industries. Operational disruptions were significant, with immediate financial losses and concerns over data integrity and loss being paramount. The incident tested customer trust and loyalty for businesses dependent on CrowdStrike’s services. Major sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and finance were severely affected, with reports of grounded flights, suspended medical procedures, and banking system issues.
Cybercriminal Exploitation
In the wake of the outage, cybercriminals did not miss the opportunity to exploit the chaos. Phishing campaigns were launched, with threat actors posing as legitimate sources of help for impacted businesses. CrowdStrike Intelligence warned that malicious emails purporting to be from CrowdStrike support and impersonating staff in phone calls were identified. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported an increase in phishing attacks referencing the outage.
What Next for Crowdstrike?
A week after the outage, the company published a preliminary post-incident review and pledged to take action to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. This includes more rigorous software testing and implementing a gradual, staggered, roll-out these types of automated updates. A full root-cause analysis is due at some point.
The CrowdStrike outage serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in our interconnected digital ecosystem. It underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for rapid response mechanisms in the face of such incidents.
As businesses and cybersecurity firms navigate the aftermath, the lessons learned from this event will undoubtedly shape future cybersecurity strategies and practices.
LaneSystems News Update
Happy Anniversary Mark!
July marked 19 years since our longest serving team member, Mark Shields, joined the company and helped it grow into the business it is today. As Operations Director, Mark provides the key skills and organisational foundation when managing technical projects such as the installation and migration of our clients IT infrastructure. He’s the technical co-ordinator with the knowledge that keeps our clients’ systems running smoothly.
Happy anniversary Mark. Thank you for your commitment to the company and all your hard work.
Charity Partner Update
Recently, we’ve been co-ordinating an office relocation for Stockton & District Advice & Information Service. Following the SDAIS move, we also donated a firewall worth £1045 to help deal with increased traffic. Our technician, Robbie, helped with the installation and set up.
Brief History of Outages
The internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, a digital ecosystem that connects billions of devices and users across the globe. It’s a complex network that, for the most part, operates seamlessly. But, as the recent Crowdstrike events have shown, it’s not immune to disruptions.
Over the years, there have been several significant outages that have impacted users worldwide, reminding us of the fragility and interdependence of our connected world.
Network Solutions Inc
One of the earliest major outages occurred in 1997, when a misconfigured database at Network Solutions Inc., one of the main registrars for domain names, crashed every website ending in .com or .net. This took down approximately one million sites, a substantial portion of the web at the time.
YouTube
Fast forward to 2018, and we witnessed another significant disruption when YouTube experienced a global outage, leaving millions of users unable to access the platform for several hours. The cause was never fully disclosed, but it highlighted the vast number of people reliant on a single service for entertainment, information, and communication.
Amazon Web Services
In 2020, a massive DDoS attack targeted Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the largest cloud service providers. This attack caused significant service disruptions for many websites and services that depend on AWS infrastructure, including Adobe, Flickr, and Roku. The attack lasted for about eight hours, causing widespread inconvenience and economic impact.
Another notable incident was the Facebook outage of 2021, where a configuration error led to a six-hour blackout of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This outage not only affected social media users but also businesses and services that rely on Facebook’s platforms for operation.
These outages serve as a reminder of the internet’s complexity and vulnerability. They underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, reliable backup systems, and the need for diversification of services to mitigate the risks of future disruptions.
As we continue to weave more of our lives into the digital fabric, the resilience of the internet will remain a critical aspect of our collective ability to communicate, work, and thrive in an increasingly connected world.
LaneSystems provides cyber security services, including data recovery and backup plans to minimise your disruption. If you’re a business in and around the North East of England, contact us today.
Can AI Make Meetings Better?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of business communication, software giants such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are continuously seeking innovative ways to enhance the quality of virtual meetings. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in this arena, with platforms offering a plethora of features that streamline meeting processes and enrich user experience.
AI Meeting Assistants: The New Frontier in Business Communication
AI meeting assistants have emerged as a pivotal tool in the arsenal of business communication platforms. These assistants leverage AI to perform a variety of tasks that traditionally required human effort and attention.
For instance, AI-powered tools can transcribe conversations in real-time, ensuring that participants can focus on the discussion rather than taking notes. This transcription service is not only convenient but also invaluable for creating accurate records of meetings, which can be referenced later or shared with those unable to attend.
Enhancing Productivity with AI Analytics
Another significant contribution of AI is the analytics provided post-meeting. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet utilise AI to analyse meeting patterns, participant engagement, and content delivery. This data is crucial for businesses to understand the effectiveness of their meetings and to implement strategies for improvement.
AI analytics can identify which parts of a meeting were most engaging, which topics generated the most discussion, and how the flow of the meeting affected participant interaction.
AI for Inclusivity and Accessibility
Features such as automated closed captioning and language translation ensure that meetings are accessible to a broader audience,including those with hearing impairments or non-native speakers. This democratisation of access is not only a step towards inclusivity but also expands the potential for global collaboration.
The Future of AI in Business Meetings
Looking ahead, the role of AI in business meetings is set to expand further. Innovations such as sentiment analysis, which gauges the mood and engagement levels of participants, and predictive analytics, which can suggest optimal meeting times and formats, are on the horizon. These advancements promise to make business meetings more efficient, productive, and inclusive.
The integration of AI into business communication platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet represents a significant leap forward in the quality of virtual business meetings. By automating mundane tasks, providing insightful analytics, and ensuring inclusivity, AI is not just changing the way we conduct meetings—it’s enhancing the very fabric of business communication.
Will Virtual Reality Ever Become Mainstream?
The Virtual Reality (VR) landscape is buzzing with excitement as Apple’s Vision Pro headset makes its way to Europe, and the Meta Quest 3 continues to capture the imagination of tech enthusiasts around the globe. The question being asked in the tech world: Will VR finally break into the mainstream?
Apple’s Vision Pro, which launched in the UK and other European countries on July 12, 2024, represents a significant leap in spatial computing. With its visionOS, users can navigate using their eyes, hands, and voice, creating a seamless blend of digital content with the physical world. This could revolutionize how we work, play, and connect with others.
On the other side, Meta’s Quest 3, released back in October 2023, boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and enhanced mixed reality capabilities, making it Meta’s most powerful headset yet. Its improved design and controllers aim to provide an even more immersive experience.
Consumer Interest in VR?
But what does this mean for mainstream adoption? Statistics show that nearly one in three consumers owned an AR/VR device in 2022, and the interest has been steadily growing. However, challenges such as device affordability and content availability continue to influence consumer uptake.
The future of VR seems promising, with its applications extending beyond gaming into education, healthcare, and retail. As the technology becomes more accessible and the content more diverse, we might just see VR become a staple in our digital lives. Whether it’s reliving memories in three dimensions or enjoying a personal cinema experience, VR has the potential to transform our daily experiences.
So, will VR ever hit the mainstream? Only time will tell, but with giants like Apple and Meta pushing the boundaries, we’re certainly on the cusp of a new era in digital interaction. Stay tuned to see how this exciting technology continues to evolve and integrate into our everyday lives.
A Reminder About QR Code Scams
Although we touched upon this form of cyberfraud at the start of the year, media and police are currently warning people to stay alert to the dangers of QR code scams, so it’s worth revisiting.
QR Code Overview
In the digital age, convenience often comes with hidden risks, and QR codes are no exception. Originally designed to streamline access to information, QR codes have become another tool for scammers to exploit in fraud upon unsuspecting users. The simplicity of QR codes, which can be generated by anyone with an internet connection, has opened a Pandora’s box of potential danger.
Although QR codes have been around since the 1990s, the United Kingdom, like many places, saw a notable increase in such scams during the Covid-19 lock down. The pandemic’s push for contactless interactions saw more people falling victim to scams involving QR codes at testing centres, or on unexpected package deliveries.
Recent Surge
Recent reports have highlighted a surge in QR code scams, where individuals are directed to malicious sites that mimic legitimate businesses or services. These sites often request personal information, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and compromised security.
For instance, fake QR codes on parking meters have duped users into paying for parking through fraudulent platforms. Other vulnerable places include railway stations, pubs, restaurants, and any public space where access to information is required without the effort of having to type. It can be as simple as sticking a fake code over the top of a legitimate one.
QR codes are also increasingly found in email phishing scams. It’s known as ‘Quishing’. With scam links commonly rooted out by security software, some may not necessarily scan embedded images, so QR codes are a way to disguise fake URLs.
Although, relatively, this form of scam is smaller than others, there’s been a persistent rise in the figures. The numbers of people falling victim to QR code scams, as well as the number simply reporting them, has tripled in the last couple of years.
Stay Alert
To combat these scams, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Always verify the source of a QR code before scanning, especially if it appears in an unsolicited email or an unfamiliar location. If a QR code directs you to a payment or login page, double-check the URL and look for signs of legitimacy. The NCSC, along with other useful information about QR code scams, recommends using your phone’s own QR code scanner rather than any 3rd party app.
Remember, the convenience of a quick scan is not worth the risk of compromising your personal information.
