Last Friday, a significant shock hit the global economy when several companies across various sectors—including media, banking and finance, aviation, and leisure—went offline due to an update glitch caused by Cloudstrike’s cybersecurity software running on Microsoft servers. Many affected parties, who had never heard of Cloudstrike before, initially believed that a cyberattack had knocked out Microsoft’s servers worldwide.
The confusion intensified as there were no signs of ransomware elements, demands, or cyber hackers taking responsibility for the problem. The crisis was quickly labeled as a “blue screen of death” attack, suggesting that the world’s IT systems had been compromised. The situation grew more chaotic as buses, trains, and elevators in large public buildings malfunctioned.
Microsoft eventually issued a statement, followed by Cloudstrike, but the frustration only mounted. In hindsight, it is crucial to recognize that while such events cannot be fully predicted or prevented, it is necessary to develop a robust technology crisis communication strategy. Rather than merely planning to manage a crisis, it is better to anticipate potential issues by communicating with customers, vendors, and partners before a major software update is deployed on a global scale.
Implementing a pilot phase, where clients, customers, vendors, and partners are selected through a well-coordinated event, can help build a “virtual twin” of the outcome. This phased approach can better prepare all stakeholders for the update, reducing the risk of widespread disruption. However, a well-planned and precisely executed communication plan must be at the heart of this strategy.
It is time to give your technology deployment the strategy to predict, manage, and overcome crises. Talk to us today via email at info@sbimediaglobal.com to learn how we can help your business navigate these challenges effectively.