Sky News experienced a temporary blackout due to a global IT failure. The issue impacted not only Sky’s UK headquarters but also other major broadcasting companies like SBS, ABC, and Network 10. The root cause of the problem was traced back to a corrupt Microsoft Windows anti-virus update that affected systems worldwide, including Sky News Australia, tech firms, banks, and airlines.
The glitch was reportedly linked to a faulty update of antivirus software CrowdStrike, an American cybersecurity company used by various British organizations. Additionally, American Airlines had to ground all flights due to the IT failure, confirmed by the US Federal Aviation Authority.
The outage extended to airports in Berlin and Spain, as well as major airports in India like Delhi and Mumbai. Several airlines faced infrastructure issues from their software providers, impacting services. The London Stock Exchange also experienced disruptions across its platforms.
Viewers were informed of the interruption with a message on their screens, prompting concern. Presenters like Jacquie Beltrao and Gareth Barlow took to Twitter to address the situation and reassure viewers of efforts to resolve the issue. Sky News resorted to airing an old documentary while working on a fix.
Microsoft acknowledged the problem on social media and assured users of ongoing investigations. Online users expressed frustration over the technical difficulties, while fans rallied behind Sky News for a swift return to broadcasting.
An official statement from Microsoft 365 confirmed the investigation into the issue affecting access to various apps and services. Australia’s cybersecurity watchdog stated that there was no indication of a cybersecurity breach related to the incident.
Despite the setback, efforts are underway to restore normal operations and resume broadcasting for Sky News.