Microsoft Crash Throws BC Health Authorities Back to Analogue Age

By Michelle Gamage  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On Friday computers around the world running the Microsoft operating system Windows 10 suddenly faced what is colloquially known as the “blue screen of death” before having their computer systems turn off and then slowly reboot. This was not a cyberattack but a major tech failure. That same day, cyber-security company CrowdStrike said an update it made to its antivirus software for Microsoft Windows caused the crash. Many B.C. health authorities, hospitals, labs and urgent and primary care centres, were affected. B.C.’s emergency dispatch system, as well as paramedic, wildfire and police services were not impacted, Premier David Eby said at a press conference Friday. Health Minister Adrian Dix said most systems were back online by midday, though he added it might take…

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