Lessons learned from CrowdStrike’s automation errors

A “content update” in CrowdStrike’s software caused a Windows system outage on July 19, 2024. This incident disrupted operations for major air carriers, hospitals, 911 operators, and various government agencies, costing companies an estimated $5.4 billion in direct losses. Following the disruption, CrowdStrike outlined improvements for scenario testing and content rollback testing. The event provides a valuable case study for organizations on the importance of execution, inspection, and maturity of software test procedures.