Microsoft, CrowdStrike Face IT Outage: Cyber Week

In Mexico, 20.9% of internet users have faced cyberbullying, revealed INEGI. Meanwhile, ClickBalance exposed 769 million records, raising concerns about data security. Additionally, BBVA and Telefónica Tech will create a cybersecurity hub to enhance protection.

In the international front, a faulty CrowdStrike update led to a global Microsoft outage, impacting various critical sectors. Microsoft and CrowdStrike are now working on recovery solutions for the 8.5 million affected PCs. Meanwhile, Google’s US$23 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz has collapsed, with Wiz opting for an IPO instead. 

Ready? This is your Week in Cybersecurity!

Mexico

Cyberbullying Affects 20.9% of Internet Users in Mexico

In Mexico, 20.9% of internet users have experienced some form of cyberbullying, according to INEGI's Cyberbullying Module 2023 (MOCIBA). This includes offensive messages and calls, identity theft, and violent threats.  

ClickBalance Exposes 769 Million Records in Unprotected Database

ClickBalance, a Mexican enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provider, exposed 769 million records worldwide in an unprotected database. The compromised information included secret keys, bank account numbers, tax ID numbers, geographic locations, and 381,224 email addresses. 

BBVA, Telefónica Tech to Launch Cybersecurity Hub in Mexico

BBVA has announced a new alliance with Telefónica Tech to enhance global cybersecurity. The partnership includes establishing a specialized center in Mexico, which will become fully operational this month. This new facility will serve as a mirror to BBVA's existing Global Cybersecurity Center in Spain. Together, the two hubs will offer comprehensive, continuous coverage for the entire organization.

International

Microsoft Outage Linked to CrowdStrike Hits Companies Worldwide

A faulty update to the CrowdStrike Falcon platform caused a global outage of Microsoft's servers, bringing down computer systems in several regions of the world and affecting multiple sectors, including airports, hospitals, and banks. 

Microsoft, CrowdStrike Launch IT System Recovery Solutions

Microsoft and CrowdStrike have revealed that approximately 8.5 million PCs were affected by a faulty update to the Falcon security software developed by CrowdStrike, causing significant disruption to several critical services globally. 

Google’s US$23 Billion Plan to Acquire Cybersecurity Wiz Crumbles

Wiz has ended talks with Google’s parent company Alphabet on a proposed US$23 billion deal and will instead pursue an initial public offering (IPO) on the stock exchange, citing antitrust concerns and investor reservations as the primary reasons for this decision. 

iMasons Climate Urges Data Center Suppliers to Embrace EPDs

iMasons Climate Accord called for data center suppliers to enhance transparency in Scope 3 emissions. This move underscores the need for broader adoption of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to curb the industry's carbon footprint. The iMasons Climate Accord’s Governing Body includes major players such as AWS, Digital Realty, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Schneider Electric. The open letter advocates for the integration of EPDs, which are third-party verified documents that report the embodied emissions of a product throughout its lifecycle—from raw material extraction to disposal.