Malta-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Teva and medical device manufacturer Baxter are both suffering major disruptions to their internal online systems amid a global IT outage.
Many businesses across the world are facing difficulties with a CrowdStrike outage that has affected Windows machines, a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed. This is impacting Windows devices due to an update by the cybersecurity firm.
Sources have confirmed to WhosWho.mt that Teva and Baxter, two major pharmaceutical manufacturers with operations in Malta, are facing serious disruptions due to the CrowdStrike outage.
The two firms’ online services are down as a result of the update.
Teva, which has its Malta factory located at Bulebel Industrial Estate in Zejtun, produces generic medicines, while Baxter - located in Marsa - produces medical devices.
CrowdStrike President and CEO statement
CrowdStrike President and CEO George Kurtz has since stated that the cybersecurity firm is “actively working” with customers who have been impacted by a “defect found in a single content update” for Windows hosts. He said that Mac and Linux hosts have not been impacted, and that the issue is “not a security incident or cyberattack.”
“The issue has been identified, isolated, and a fix has been deployed,” Mr Kurtz continued.
He referred customers to the company’s support portal for the latest updates and further updates will also be provided on its website.
“We further recommend organisations ensure they’re communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. Our team is fully mobilised to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers,” he added.
Microsoft spokesperson statement
This is taking place simultaneously with an outage relating to Microsoft Azure and Microsoft365 which happened overnight and is disrupting airlines and other major businesses.
A Microsoft spokesperson said that the media is "conflating" the CrowdStrike issue with the Microsoft outage.
"With regards to the Azure outage, Microsoft is aware of the issue affecting a subset of customers and while acknowledging the impact this is having on customers, Microsoft is working to restore services for those still experiencing disruptions as quickly as possible," they stated.
They said that Microsoft is aware of the CrowdStrike issue and that it is affecting Windows devices due to an update to the third-party software platform, "and anticipates a resolution is forthcoming."
Main Image:Baxter's factory / DOI - Alan Saliba
