Trends
Microsoft blames Delta Air Lines for prolonged global cyber outage
OUR TAKEThe Microsoft-Delta spat underscores the importance of up-to-date IT for operational reliability. Microsoft blames Delta’s systems for ongoing disruptions, while Delta, pointing to its IT spending, contests this. The episode stresses the value of IT modernisation for cyber resilience, with t…
Headline
OUR TAKEThe Microsoft-Delta spat underscores the importance of up-to-date IT for operational reliability. Microsoft blames Delta’s systems for ongoing disruptions, while Delta, pointing to its IT spending, contests this. The episode stresses the value of IT modernisation for…
Context
OUR TAKE The Microsoft-Delta spat underscores the importance of up-to-date IT for operational reliability. Microsoft blames Delta’s systems for ongoing disruptions, while Delta, pointing to its IT spending, contests this. The episode stresses the value of IT modernisation for cyber resilience, with the outcome potentially shaping industry tech management. — Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter Microsoft attributed Delta Air Lines’ difficulties in recovering from a severe global cyber outage to the airline’s outdated IT infrastructure on August 7. The disruption, which began following a software update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, caused Delta to cancel more than 6,000 flights, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Microsoft’s preliminary investigation suggested that Delta’s failure to modernise its IT systems, unlike other major airlines that faced fewer issues, was a significant factor in the prolonged recovery period. In response, Delta vehemently denied Microsoft’s claims, highlighting its significant investment in IT infrastructure over the years. The airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian , criticised Microsoft’s platform as the “most fragile” of their systems, while Microsoft and CrowdStrike refuted the blame, maintaining that they had offered assistance during the crisis. Delta’s response includes seeking damages from both CrowdStrike and Microsoft, and the situation continues to evolve with ongoing investigations and legal actions. Also read: CrowdStrike shares plummet 13% after global cyber outage Also read: Delta Air Lines faces major disruptions due to cyber outage
Key Points
- Microsoft claims Delta’s IT is behind its recovery woes and flight cancellations, unlike rivals who recovered from a CrowdStrike update more easily.
- Delta challenges Microsoft’s assertion, citing its IT investments and labelling Microsoft’s system “fragile,” as both Microsoft and CrowdStrike reject blame for disruptions.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
