In light of the recent faulty CrowdStrike software update that caused chaos for millions of Windows users in July, Microsoft has announced plans to host a cybersecurity conference in September. The conference aims to bring together cybersecurity firms to discuss ways the industry can evolve and prevent similar issues in the future.
The faulty CrowdStrike software update not only caused millions of Windows computers to crash but also had a ripple effect on various industries. Airlines were forced to cancel thousands of flights, logistics companies experienced package delivery delays, and hospitals had to postpone medical appointments. The fallout from the outage cost Delta Air Lines $550 million, prompting the company to seek damages from CrowdStrike and Microsoft.
Microsoft is taking proactive steps to address the root cause of the issue by convening a meeting with CrowdStrike and other security companies at its campus in Redmond, Washington on September 10. The conference, known as the Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit, will focus on exploring ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
One of the key topics of discussion at the conference will be the possibility of applications relying more on user mode rather than kernel mode. Currently, software from companies like CrowdStrike, Check Point, and SentinelOne depend on kernel mode for enhanced access. However, this also poses a risk as a failure in kernel mode can lead to a system-wide crash. By shifting towards user mode, applications can be isolated, preventing one crash from affecting others.
In addition to the shift towards user mode, Microsoft is considering the adoption of eBPF technology and memory-safe programming languages like Rust to prevent system crashes. eBPF technology can check if programs will run without triggering crashes, while memory-safe programming languages reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.
Microsoft’s dedication to cybersecurity is highlighted by its donation of $1 million to the nonprofit Rust Foundation, which supports the development of the Rust programming language. The company competes with CrowdStrike through its Defender for Endpoint product and is committed to promoting a secure and reliable cybersecurity ecosystem.
The upcoming cybersecurity conference hosted by Microsoft demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges faced in the industry. By collaborating with key players like CrowdStrike and exploring innovative solutions, the industry aims to prevent similar incidents and enhance the overall security of Windows systems. Stay tuned for updates following the event as Microsoft continues to lead the way in cybersecurity advancements.
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