What caused the Microsoft Windows, CrowdStrike outage disrupting flights

Mass IT outages have caused disruptions around the world, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed and online services down at airports, hospitals, banks and businesses. Many Microsoft users started their day with an error screen — dubbed the “blue screen of death,” or BSOD error.

The company says it is aware of an issue affecting Windows programs running technology from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company. President Biden has been briefed on the outage and will continue to receive updates, according to an administration official. The White House is also in contact with CrowdStrike’s executive team and has offered government support, the official said, adding that it “has been convening agencies to assess impacts to the US government’s operations and entities around the country.” Here’s what to know about the widespread IT outages and what happens next.