July 2024WorldwideFaulty software update
Security software update disrupts millions of Windows devices
In July 2024 a software update from the security company CrowdStrike began affecting IT systems globally. Microsoft estimated that it affected 8.5 million Windows devices, or less than one per cent of all Windows machines, and noted that the wider impact reflected the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services.
What it means for continuityNot every outage is an attack. A routine update from a trusted supplier can stop systems at scale. Mapping which suppliers’ software sits behind critical services, and having manual recovery steps ready, helps an organisation restore service sooner.
Source: Microsoft Official Blog, 20 July 2024
March 2021Suez Canal, EgyptShipping blockage
Ever Given blocks the Suez Canal
On 23 March 2021 the container ship Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal and lay across the waterway until it was freed on 29 March. The BBC reported 369 ships waiting in a tailback on one day, noted that about 12 per cent of global trade passes through the canal, and said some vessels were rerouted, adding around eight days to their journeys.
What it means for continuityOne narrow point on a route can hold up goods for companies far from it. Knowing which shipments pass through such points, what alternatives exist and how much stock covers the gap helps a supply chain absorb the delay.
Source: BBC News, 29 March 2021
March 2021Strasbourg, FranceFire at a data centre
Data centre fire destroys one site and cuts power to the others
At 00:47 on 10 March 2021 a fire broke out in one of four OVHcloud data centres in Strasbourg. Firefighters’ work required power to be switched off for the whole site. OVHcloud reported that 14,046 servers in the affected data centre were destroyed and estimated that 120,000 services were fully or partially affected, while helping customers put their own disaster recovery plans into action.
What it means for continuityHaving back-ups in the same place as the main system is not enough. Copies and recovery arrangements need to sit on a separate site, and the supplier’s resilience measures are worth understanding as part of third party risk.
Source: OVHcloud press release, April 2021
April 2025Spain and PortugalPower grid failure
Iberian blackout
On 28 April 2025 continental Spain and Portugal experienced a total blackout. The Expert Panel’s final report, published by ENTSO-E in March 2026, concludes that it resulted from a combination of many interacting factors, which led to fast voltage increases and cascading generation disconnections. ENTSO-E describes it as a first of its kind event.
What it means for continuityA grid-wide outage affects payments, transport, communications and building services all at once. The report’s findings are a reminder to plan for loss of mains power, alternative communications and a staged restart of services.
Source: ENTSO-E, 20 March 2026
