In July 2024, a flaw in the security software of CrowdStrike, part of Microsoft technology, triggered a catastrophic cyber blackout. Thousands of companies and individuals around the world were affected, including vital sectors such as banking, transportation, healthcare, and the media: all of which depend on the Windows system for their operations.

Although it may have seemed like an isolated incident, cyber blackouts have become increasingly frequent, revealing the growing vulnerability of global digital infrastructures. Cybersecurity experts warn that the interconnection of systems and dependence on common platforms have made networks more susceptible to chain failures.

But what, in fact, are these cyber blackouts? And how can your company protect itself against these events? Let’s explore these questions in today’s blog!

What is a cyber blackout?

A cyber blackout or technological blackout occurs when there is a widespread interruption of digital services and communication networks. In other words, when these assets become inoperable or compromised due to technical failures, cyberattacks or security problems.

These interruptions can have a number of consequences for industries, as they are left without access to important data and systems. Other consequences can be:

• Financial loss: companies can face significant losses due to the stoppage of operations, fines for breach of contracts and compensation to clients.

• Reputational impact: the trust of customers and partners can be seriously damaged, resulting in damage to the brand’s reputation and possible loss of future business.
• Compromised data security: during a blackout, sensitive data can be exposed to leaks or attacks, compromising privacy and information security.
• Interruption of essential services: sectors such as health and transportation can face critical challenges, putting people’s lives and safety at risk.
• Recovery and repair costs: companies need to invest in resources to restore systems, as well as implementing additional security measures to prevent further incidents.
• Regulations and penalties: in many sectors, a lack of preparation for a cyber blackout can result in legal and regulatory penalties, further increasing costs.
• Demotivation and impact on employee morale: frustration with system failures and the pressure for quick solutions can affect staff morale, impacting productivity in the long term.

Therefore, preparing for and responding effectively to cyber blackouts is key to minimizing damage and ensuring business continuity. Let’s see what we can do to prevent this from happening?

How to avoid being hit by cyber blackouts?

There are 10 main things to implement so that your company is protected from failures, cyberattacks, or other security problems. Let’s take a look at the list:

1. Regular software updates: keeping all systems and applications up to date is essential for protection against known vulnerabilities. Updates often include security patches that correct exploitable flaws. Establish a regular schedule for applying these updates and consider using patch management tools to automate the process.
2. Employee training: employee awareness is one of the most effective defenses against cyberattacks. Hold regular workshops and seminars to educate staff about security practices, such as recognizing phishing emails, protecting passwords and identifying suspicious behavior. Attack simulations can also be useful for training appropriate responses.
3. Implementing firewalls and antivirus: firewalls act as a barrier between the internal network and external threats, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic. Antivirus software detects and removes malware. Keep these tools up to date and configure them to carry out regular scans.
4. Backup plans: making regular data backups is essential for recovery after an incident. Use a 3-2-1 backup strategy: keep three copies of the data, in two different formats, with one copy stored offline. Regularly test data restoration to ensure that the process works correctly.
5. Continuous monitoring: real-time monitoring tools help detect suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access or anomalous behavior. Implementing an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) can provide immediate alerts and take automated measures to block threats, allowing a quick and effective response to potential incidents.
6. Network segmentation: dividing the network into smaller segments limits access and the spread of a possible breach. For example, if a system is compromised, segmentation prevents the attacker from accessing the entire network. Use access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access critical data.
7. Security assessments: carrying out regular security audits and penetration tests helps to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Hire external experts for an unbiased view, and use automated tools to scan systems for flaws.
8. Developing incident response plans: create a detailed plan that defines how the organization will respond to a cyber blackout. This should include identifying roles and responsibilities, containment and recovery steps, as well as communication with stakeholders. Carry out simulations and review the plan regularly.
9. Access control: implement strict access control policies, ensuring that users only have access to what they really need to perform their duties. Use multifactor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security, especially for sensitive systems.
10. Collaboration and information sharing: participating in cybersecurity consortia and groups allows companies to share information about emerging threats and best practices. This strengthens collective defense and provides insights into how others are tackling similar challenges.

These measures, when implemented together, form a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, helping to protect companies against blackouts and other incidents.

Invest in hiring a company specializing in cybersecurity

Being properly prepared to avoid cyber blackouts is very important for building a resilient organizational culture. 

That’s why we at Tracenet IT Solutions, a company specializing in information security, stress the importance of investing in continuous learning to ensure that your organization is ready to face any challenge that the future of cybersecurity may bring. Think about it!