Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) says some of its operations are impacted by a tech outage disrupting industries across the world Friday.
Earlier today, global cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike advised clients that the company’s Falcon Sensor software is causing Microsoft Windows to crash and display a blue screen, known informally as the “blue screen of death.”
The problem crashed Windows machines and servers, sending them in a loop of recovery so they couldn’t restart.
HHS said, in a statement, that it is affected by the outage but all of its hospitals “are safe and remain open” including Hamilton General Hospital.
HHS said some non-urgent appointments and procedures may be delayed and it would be contacting those people who are affected.
The hospital says its teams are working swiftly to resolve the issue.
St. Joseph’s Healthcare is also experiencing issues, says spokesperson Elizabeth Harrington. Patients may experience delays and will be kept informed about their care plans. Its hospital remains open.
The outage has caused several airlines to halt flights, knocked some broadcasters off-air and impacted everything from banking to health care with system-wide problems.
McMaster University has not experienced any major outages, it says. Microsoft services and other technology systems and softwares remain operational.
Metrolinx says its GO trains and buses are not impacted. Customers can still use their Presto cards at stations and on buses, but may “experience difficulties” accessing their accounts or reloading funds to their cards online. They can add money to their accounts at stations.
The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport says it is not impacted. All flights to and from Hamilton’s airport appear to be running on time, according to its website. Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Flair remain operational.
U.S. airlines impacted include United, American, Delta and Allegiant, which had all been grounded, along with Porter Airlines.
More to come.