Growing fears of technological disaster

Vijay Garg *

Today's world is of technology. Measures like computers, internet, artificial intelligence have made our work easier in many ways. During the Covid pandemic, the world had seen that due to these facilities there was no major disruption in its movement. But this is one aspect of dependence on technology, the other aspect is what was presented before 19.

On July 2024, 5 lakh computers worldwide crashed due to a faulty technical update running on Microsoft Windows. ItsThe question is why this happened and whether the world can avoid such technological accidents. What happened after all that a minor update became a problem for the operation of computers.

This data has been released by the Microsoft company itself that the problem that arose on July 19 caused a problem called 'Blue Death of Screen' (BDOS) on at least 85 lakh computers.

The entire screen of computers is suddenly working due to this. The letters turned sky blue and an error message started appearing on them. Although such messages of errors remain local due to various activities on computers, but this time the problem was worldwide. That's why.

This happened because CrowdStrike, another company to protect Microsoft computers from cyber attacks, had released an automatic 'software update' for all Microsoft computers, which kept on coming and leaving some flaws.

As this software update begins, Microsoft WindowsThe computers running on it stopped operating. Since this Computers are equipped with automatic shutdown mechanisms when an internal (such as a hardware or motherboard problem) or external problem (such as a virus attack or cyber attack) occurs, so they may stop working as soon as a faulty software update is introduced.

In particular, the blue screens of millions of computers connected to the 'Clyde Network' made it clear that their system had crashed. This software update, called CrowdStrike Falcon, which is actually a cyber security tool, which is designed to protect computers from various cyber attacks. But there was a technical flaw in it. Therefore, the operation of computers equipped with Microsoft Windows stopped suddenly.

There is a need to consider that in the present world, when there is talk of handing over all the work to internet based technologies and devices, what will happen to the world if there is an immediate 'shutdown'.

The artificial intelligence which is being touted as the cure for all diseases is not a blessing from the sky but is also based on the internet and there is a system based on the network of computers, which is called Tuki Vhee Ki Ran' Bhi' Dha Dhawana Vadhna Method.

There is also a possibility that some faulty system operating within it might do such a thing and the world would remain cheated. Today, the way hospitals are being run all over the world through the network of computers connected to the Internet, traffic control is being done, stock markets, reservation systems and even the security systems of countries are based on them - in such a situation, if there is any technical flaw, all the arrangements are being made. Can destroy in a single moment.

It is noteworthy that there is no dearth of factors causing such technical flaws. This can happen due to cutting of the 'cable' laying under the sea providing internet services. This situation can occur in case of server failure due to power failure.

This is a recent example of a software glitch, but this can also happen due to a computer virus attack or a cyber attack by an enemy country. It is possible that the situation may worsen due to the satellites through which internet or cloud internet services are being provided, getting hit by a solar storm.

To say there are anti-viruses available to protect computers from viruses, there are many measures to prevent cyber attacks, but what about other technological disasters when a simple activity like a software update can create such a big crisis.

The latest digital tsunami occurred when a company implemented a legitimate and possibly tried and tested technique like a software update. But imagine what happens when a hostile country, hacker or terrorist group deliberately unleashes a technological disaster on the world.

What will be the result if I join forces ? This is a strange irony that the Texas (America) based cyber security company CrowdStrike is responsible for protecting millions of computers running the 'Aapre Operating System' called Microsoft Windows from cyber attacks and keeping them running smoothly.

A software update recently caused such a huge digital disaster. This company is considered an expert in cyber security. It is claimed that corporate networks and cloud networks of large companies, airlines, emergency services and this company plays an important role in protecting connecting devices etc. from computer viruses, malware and hacking.

Especially companies using cloud network services take the services of CrowdStrike to keep their servers safe from cyber attacks and hacking. This company is said to play an important role in investigating cyber attacks around the world. But the latest incident has raised questions on the credibility of CrowdStrike company as well as Microsoft.

Similarly, in 2010, antivirus manufacturing company McAfee was unaware of a mistake.Windows XP PCs were discontinued worldwide in 2015. There was a similar stir at that time also. It is not that this is the only incident of internet dependent cyber network being disrupted. Small technical accidents happen frequently.

Sometimes the server of 'Meta', the company that operates WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook etc. gets stalled, and sometimes Google's performance slows down. Cyber attacks and hacking have shocked the world. It is true that many tasks have become convenient with the Internet and computers, but as our dependence on selected technology companies is increasing, we will have to be prepared for such technological disasters.