The Cornell University community is encouraged to be on high alert for suspicious emails, calls, and in-person contacts purporting to be a vendor working on the widespread Windows outage related to a CrowdStrike bug.

Be aware that bad actors are currently taking advantage of the widespread outage, sending phishing messages while posing as CrowdStrike support staff. These scams may be distributed via social media, email and phone. Each is an attempt to gain access to devices, account login credentials, personal information such as payment details.

Be sure to work only with local Cornell support staff to restore Windows devices and return systems to their usual state of readiness. Check suspicious messages against Cornell's Verified Messages (login required).

For non-Cornell devices, choose support staff you already know and trust. For more information about the Microsoft Windows Error and how it is being addressed at Cornell, follow the IT Status Alert.