The CrowdStrike global outage demonstrated the critical importance of robust response plans and security measures for all business systems, including GIS.
The routine software update to CrowdStrike’s Falcon — a purpose-built endpoint security platform — spiraled into a global digital catastrophe.
Causing Windows-based systems to crash, the update resulted in global outages and disruptions across almost every critical industry, impacting banks, healthcare, air travel, retail and more.
It highlighted inherent vulnerabilities in today’s interconnected digital world and the need for vigilant cybersecurity practices, data security and compliance.
5-step rapid response
While IT teams worked quickly to restore system functionality and security, Esri Australia’s Managed Services team similarly initiated an industry-aligned, five-step rapid response plan to restore functionality for clients.
Collaborating with CrowdStrike to understand the nature and impact of the outage, the team was able to issue and to expedite the rollout of an effective fix by:
- Rapid assessment of the situation to better understand impact on systems.
- Timely communication to inform stakeholders of the situation and the steps being taken to mitigate risks.
- System isolation and protection to prevent any potential spread of the issue. Affected systems were isolated and additional protective measures implemented to safeguard data.
- Enhanced system monitoring to detect anomalies early and provide immediate support.
- Review and reinforcement of security protocols to identify areas for improvement and strengthen defenses against future incidents.
Towards a framework of resilience
With CrowdStrike behind us, we can take a moment to look back and assess the effectiveness of response programs in today’s ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
The outage emphasised the importance of committing to continuously improving security measures and compliance protocols.
In some cases — whether it’s due to a skills shortage or simply because of capacity — it’s more efficient to outsource management of GIS infrastructures to experienced teams rather than building internal capacity to keep systems running and secure.
Leveraging the expertise of a Managed Services team like Esri Australia’s, provides access to experienced personnel dedicated to safeguarding operations and ensuring business continuity — even in the face of unforeseen challenges in today’s increasingly digital world.
From this side of the fence, CrowdStrike was a test of our team’s agility, resilience and commitment to navigating unprecedented challenges and reinforced the need for continuous and proactive review of security and compliance measures.
For Managed Services clients, this meant confidence in system security and their service. When the time comes, their GIS systems and the organisation they support experience minimal impact.
Download the Minimising Risk, Maximising ROI with Geospatial Technology: A Practical Guide for Senior Leaders for more insight or contact us if you’d like to additional information about a Managed Services offering.
