A Wake-Up Call

CrowdStrike, known for its cutting-edge cloud-based endpoint security, faced an unexpected outage that caused widespread issues for its users. As businesses increasingly depend on cloud-based cybersecurity solutions to stay protected against modern threats, this outage exposed an uncomfortable reality—what happens when your go-to security provider is suddenly unavailable?

During the outage, companies relying solely on CrowdStrike were left vulnerable. Many experienced temporary lapses in their security coverage, leading to operational disruptions, increased risk exposure, and potential compliance concerns. For organizations without a contingency plan, this was a harsh lesson in the importance of redundancy, disaster recovery, and a solid IT partner.

The impact of the CrowdStrike outage was felt across industries. Here are some key issues businesses faced during the downtime:

• Security Gaps: With CrowdStrike’s services down, many companies experienced reduced visibility into their security status, which made them potential targets for cybercriminals.
• Operational Disruptions: Some businesses had to halt operations or reduce service capacity while waiting for the security provider to restore functionality, leading to lost productivity and revenue.
• Customer Trust at Risk: Security breaches or downtimes can erode customer confidence, especially if they believe their sensitive data is at risk.
• Compliance Challenges: For industries where compliance is non-negotiable, the lack of full security coverage during the outage raised concerns about potential regulatory violations.

This outage underscored the need for businesses to have more than just a great cybersecurity provider. It reinforced the importance of partnering with a Technology Service Provider (TSP) that can provide comprehensive IT support, including backup solutions and rapid response to critical outages. Here’s why having an TSP is crucial:

• Proactive Monitoring and Redundancy: A high-quality TSP continuously monitors your IT infrastructure. In the event of a cybersecurity provider's outage, an TSP can swiftly identify gaps, deploy backups, and implement alternative solutions to ensure that your security is never compromised.
• Rapid Incident Response: An TSP acts as an extension of your team, providing immediate support during emergencies. In cases like the CrowdStrike outage, they would work tirelessly to secure your environment and prevent potential breaches until normal service is restored.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Outages are unpredictable, but having an MSP means having a robust disaster recovery plan. Whether it's cloud-based backups, alternative security layers, or continuity solutions, your TSP ensures that your business can keep running smoothly.
• 24/7 Support and Expertise: Your TSP isn’t just there to solve problems after they occur—they’re actively preventing them. With 24/7 monitoring and dedicated security experts, an TSP ensures that you’re prepared for any downtime, minimizing its impact on your business.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Building an in-house team with the same level of expertise as an TSP can be incredibly costly. TSPs offer flexible, scalable services that allow you to access top-tier IT support without breaking the bank.

The CrowdStrike outage serves as a reminder that even the most reliable solutions can experience downtime. But with a trusted TSP by your side, you can mitigate the risks and ensure your business remains secure, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

• Review your IT infrastructure: Assess potential single points of failure and work with your TSP to develop a more resilient IT strategy.
• Implement layered security solutions: Relying on a single provider for security can be risky. An TSP can help diversify your protection through layered defenses.
• Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan: Make sure your MSP has a disaster recovery plan in place that includes cybersecurity, backups, and fast recovery times.
• Partner with a proactive TSP: Choose an MSP that offers more than just reactive support. Look for one that understands your business, is proactive about threats, and can ensure your operations run smoothly no matter what.

The CrowdStrike outage was a stark reminder that no matter how advanced a security solution may be, unexpected disruptions can occur. Businesses that weather such storms successfully are often those with a trusted Technology Service Provider in their corner—ready to step in with redundancy, protection, and rapid response.

In today’s ever-evolving digital environment, having a reliable TSP is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. An experienced TSP provides the peace of mind that your business is secure, agile, and prepared for any challenge, even when key providers experience downtime. Don’t wait for the next outage to occur before taking action—partner with a great TSP today and protect your business’s future.