IT GLITCH AFFECTED 8.5 MILLION WINDOWS DEVICES: MICROSOFT

BERLIN, July 21 (Bernama-dpa) -- Around 8.5 million Windows devices were affected by the faulty software update that caused widespread disruptions globally, according to US technology giant Microsoft, reported German news agency (dpa). 

This represented less than one per cent of all Windows computers, the company announced on its blog. 

Despite this, the extensive economic and social impacts demonstrated how many companies running crucial services used the software provider CrowdStrike.

The IT glitch caused significant disruptions worldwide on Friday, nearly paralysing air traffic in many places. 

Supermarkets, banks, hospitals, TV stations and other institutions were also affected. 

CrowdStrike cited a faulty update of software for Windows computers as the cause. The firm declared the issue resolved by Friday afternoon, but some effects were still felt beyond this point.

According to the German Airports Association, air traffic in Germany has largely normalised in the meantime.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) stated on Saturday afternoon that the situation was stabilising in many areas, but numerous companies continued to struggle with the aftermath of the disruptions. 

"It has not yet been conclusively determined how the faulty code made its way into the CrowdStrike update. The BSI is also in intense communication with the company about this," the office said.

-- BERNAMA-dpa