Why are card machines down today? Nationwide issues caused by Microsoft outage
SHOPPERS have reported issues with paying by card, following the IT problem that’s affected computer systems around the world.
Here’s more about where people have faced issues, and what’s behind it.
Where are card machines down?
A number of retailers and customers have reported issues with card payment systems – with many going back to only accepting cash.
It’s as a major IT issue is affecting computer systems for businesses and organisations around the world.
Morrisons reported being affected by the crash, while some Waitrose and Co-op locations are only accepting cash.
One shopper said: “No contactless payment in Morrisons this morning — cash or chip and pin only.”
Another wrote: “Morrisons, contactless payment is down, chip and pin is working so please remember your card! Cheers ta!”
A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “We are experiencing some issues with payment in some stores this morning. We are working hard with our partners to resolve this issue.”
Customers shopping at Gails and Waterstones have also encountered problems in light of the outage.
Wetherspoons pubs have also said they’re cash only.
Shoppers have reported card payments being declined in a number of other stores throughout the morning.
Why are card machines down?
Severe issues at Microsoft have crashed computer systems across the world leaving major businesses, newsrooms and television networks all plunged into chaos.
This has affected equipment used by shops and businesses such as tills, servers and card machine.
Microsoft is used by a huge number of businesses to manage their systems, including those that process payments.
The outage has affected companies who use it alongside cybersecurity protection from a company called Crowdstrike.
They work to protect data from things like viruses and malicious attacks.
Why are there Microsoft outages today?
Cybersecurity software firm CrowdStrike say they have identified the issue behind the global outage as a flawed anti-viral update.
The firm are reportedly used by Microsoft to handle various updates to their systems.
Microsoft has since announced it is taking “mitigation actions” against the issues.
A spokesperson told Bloomberg that a “resolution is forthcoming”.
In a statement on social media, CrowdStrike said the global IT outage was “not a security incident or cyberattack”, adding: “The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed”.
What are the Microsoft outages affecting?
Trains, planes, GP surgeries, and TV networks are amongst those who’ve been affected by the outage.
Sky News and Sky Sports have also been rocked by the outages with them going off air completely.
Airports in the UK, Australia, Spain, Amsterdam, Germany, India, and the United States have been affected.
NHS GP surgeries say they’ve been unable to access patient records or book appointments.