Technology

Uncovering CrowdStrike: the cybersecurity firm behind global tech outage

Impacted computers running the Windows operating system and CrowdStrike software behind the global outage issue

REUTERS July 19, 2024

/2]Screen showing an error is seen at a currency exchange store at Hong Kong International Airport amid system outages disrupting the operations, in Hong Kong, China, July 19, 2024. PHOTO:REUTERS

Companies across several industries including airlines, banking and media were hit on Friday by a global tech outage tied to Microsoft's Azure cloud platform and a software issue at cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.

The issue impacted computers running the Windows operating system and CrowdStrike software. CrowdStrike said it was working with impacted customers and had deployed a fix for the issue, which stemmed from an update it issued for Windows users.

Here are a few key details about CrowdStrike:

What is CrowdStrike?

CrowdStrike offers cloud-based security solutions to businesses. Its Falcon tool - one of the reasons for the outage on Friday - identifies unusual behavior and vulnerabilities to protect computer systems from threats such as malware.

Founded in 2011 and based in Austin, Texas, CrowdStrike operates in more than 170 countries and employed more than 7,900 people as of January.

The US accounted for nearly 70% of the more than $900 million in revenue it reported for the quarter ended April.

Read: IT outage linked to CrowdStrike software affects global services

Who are crowdstrikes’s major clients and competitors?

Some of the world's biggest tech companies including Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Google, Amazon and Intel are its customers. It has about 29,000 customers across the globe.

Its presence spans several sectors with clients including retail giant Target, Formula One team Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS and the US government.

CrowdStrike competes with companies such as Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler and Fortinet.

CrowdStrike'S Stock versus peers

Shares of CrowdStrike tumbled nearly 12% in premarket trading on Friday. As of Thursday's close, CrowdStrike had a market value of $83.5 billion, with its stock price up 34% this year, according to LSEG data. In comparison, Palo Alto Networks' stock has gained about 10% year-to-date, with a market capitalization of $104.87 billion.