CROWDSTRIKE RECAP: Mass IT outage affects businesses, media outlets, other organisations nation-wide, globally

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CrowdStrike attributed the massive global outage to “a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts”, adding that Mac and Linux operating systems were not impacted.

“This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” it said in a statement.

It said it was “actively working with customers” to fix the issue and referred them to the company’s support portal and website for updates.

“Our team is fully mobilised to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers.”

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has emerged from the National Coordination Mechanism meeting with an update.

“CrowdStrike attended the meeting and we can confirm there is no evidence that this is a cyber security incident,” she said.

Ms O’Neil confirmed it was a technical issue caused by a CrowdStrike update.

“They (CrowdStrike) have issued a fix for this, allowing affected companies and organisations to reboot their systems without the problem,” she said.

“The company has informed us that most issues should be resolved through the fix they have provided, but given the size and nature of this incident it may take some time to resolve.”

The Home Affairs minister said governments are “closely engaged at all levels” as they focus on ensuring any government entities “institute the fix as quickly as possible”.

Further updates will be issued as required, Ms O’Neil said.

“We’re aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform. We anticipate a resolution is forthcoming.” a Microsoft spokesperson said.

Flight JQ116 was due to leave the airport around 4.40pm, but was cancelled after the IT outage disrupted its check-in system.

Some customers were visibly distressed after the announcement was made.

People were told to expect a text message alerting them of the next available flight after the cancellation.

“I was going to Bali for seven days, everything was booked, paid for — I’m not sure where that stuff stands anymore,” said passenger, Jeremy.

“I have a driver and mates all over there… It’s pretty frustrating considering we’ve been waiting around since 1pm and then just getting told we’ve got to go somewhere else.

“It’s a bit irritating, but it is what it is what it is.”

Flight JQ106, from earlier on Friday was also cancelled earlier with passengers believed to be stuck in airport immigration after being unable to board due to the technical fault.

Jetstar is believed to be also experiencing problems on domestic flights.

Lines are continuing to grow for passengers waiting for AirAsia flights bound for Denpasar.

Passengers waiting for Jetstar flight JQ116 bound for Bali are sitting on the floor after waiting in line for hours.

Lines for Scoot flight TR9 to Singapore has grown to over 150m away from the check-in desk.

Virgin flights at Perth Airport don’t appear to be affected at 4.20pm, with customers seen checking in bags.

“There is currently no impact on Singapore Airlines flights, which are operating as scheduled,” the airline said on X.

“We are working closely with our service partners to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

“Customers who wish to make a new flight booking or amend an existing flight booking are advised to do so via the SIA website or SingaporeAir mobile app.”

“I understand Australians are concerned about the outage that is unfolding globally and affecting a wide range of services”, Mr Albanese said.

“There is no impact to critical infrastructure, government services or Triple-0 services at this stage.

“The National Coordination Mechanism has been activated and is meeting now.”

Fremantle Dockers has told its members they might not be able to access their tickets on the app due to the outage.

In an announcement posted to X, the club said: “PSA: Due to a global technical issue, members and fans may not be able to access their tickets via the Fremantle Dockers app at the moment. Please try again later, we’ll have an update once we get more information. “

In a statement, WA Health said it was aware of the issue but that “no WA Health clinical systems are impacted and hospitals continue to operate as normal”.

“WA Health continues to monitor the situation,” she said.

“Patients should continue to call 000 in the case of an emergency.”