Parties responsible for the recent global tech outage following a software update by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, have been told to own up and consider the claims put forward by those who suffered losses in the incident.
Several sectors – from aviation to banking and healthcare – were badly impacted by the outage last week, prompting calls for legal action.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo urged parties responsible for the recent global tech outage to consider the financial losses suffered by users.
“There are some people who have put forward their claims, saying they have suffered losses,” said Gobind.
Capital A Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said his airline was affected by the outage and that his company deserved to be compensated for their losses. The outage resulted in massive flight delays, with travellers missing their flights.
“I’ve spoken to (Tan Sri) Tony (Fernandes). I’ve also spoken to Microsoft and I’m waiting for a full report on the matter. As for the claims made by Tony, we have to hear from them (those who suffered losses).
“We will look into this and see how we can assist as well.”
Gobind said this during a press conference at the nation’s administrative capital in Putrajaya this afternoon.
Earlier, he briefed the media following his recent meeting with several government agencies, namely CyberSecurity Malaysia, National Cyber Security Agency, and Digital Nasional Bhd, regarding the matter.
He was informed that the systems of five government agencies – the Education Ministry, Transport Ministry, Rural and Regional Development Ministry, National Institutes of Health, and Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah – were impacted by the outage, but have been fully restored.
He stressed there were no data breaches, and that the outage was not a cybersecurity attack. However, the outage did trigger phishing scams.
Nine companies from various sectors were also impacted by the outage.
“I’ve asked for a full report from the concerned parties.
“The ministry views this matter seriously. Such a disruption shows weaknesses in the existing system. It will cause massive disruptions and losses, if it happens again.”
He added the government would continue working on ways to ensure that the nation’s IT systems remain resilient in the face of such disruptions.
“Service providers must also play their part. They must have high security standards to protect users. Effective laws and enforcement are also necessary to stop those who take advantage of such situations.”
