Full System Restoration After IT Outage May Take up to 2 Weeks in Australia

An automatic fix for the software issue that caused a global IT outage may soon be rolled out, but it be could be some time until Australia returns to normal.

A checkout terminal hit by IT issues is seen at a Coles store in Canberra, July 19, 2024. Australian banks and media companies have been hit by a major IT outage. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Australia is working to restore its systems after it was hit by global IT outage, but it may take up to two weeks for all sectors to return to normal.

On July 19, a global IT outage hit an estimated 8.5 million devices, impacting many companies and services, including banks, airports, supermarkets, and hospitals.

Minister for Cyber Security Clare O'Neil said in a post on X that in a meeting on July 21, CrowdStrike said they are close to rolling out an automatic fix to the issue with their update, as is Microsoft.

“This should increase the speed at which systems across the economy are back online,” she said.

She added that a huge amount of work was done this weekend to get the economy back up and running.

“However, it will take time until all affected sectors are completely back online. In some cases, we may see teething issues for one or two weeks.

“I am personally thankful to every worker, both in IT and across the economy, who has worked through this weekend to get our economy moving again,” she said.

Ms. O'Neil assured Australians that the outage did not impact critical infrastructure or government services—triple 0 and emergency services are completely operational.

“Supermarkets, like many other sectors, are still experiencing issues, but the sector stressed that there are no food shortages and no need to stockpile food,” she said.

“I encourage anyone who is travelling, shopping at supermarkets or filling up the car to build in some extra time and be patient with workers who are trying to get systems back online.”

Beware of Scams

Ms. O'Neil also warned Australians that scams and phishing are still occurring.

Victims are reporting that scammers are posing as airlines or technical support, offering to resolve issues with delayed flights or fix affected technology.

“Australians must be extremely cautious of any unexpected texts, calls or emails claiming to be assistance with this issue,” she said.

“You can help by making sure vulnerable people, including elderly relatives, are being extra cautious at this time.”

Meanwhile, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Andrew McKellar warned that businesses affected by the global IT outage were unlikely to receive money for their productivity losses.

“For many businesses, it’s going to be very difficult to secure direct compensation, but obviously, that’s something that should be looked at,” Mr. McKeller told reporters in Canberra on July 21.