CrowdStrike CEO is former McAfee CTO; they caused a similar PC meltdown in 2010

A defective update from McAfee caused a global issue with Windows XP PCs, leading to systems entering a reboot loop and losing network access. The faulty update, DAT file version 5958, mistakenly identified a regular Windows binary as a virus, resulting in widespread problems. McAfee has since replaced the faulty definitions and provided a fix, advising affected users to manually repair their systems by copying essential files. Corporate customers faced significant challenges, with reports of tens of thousands of affected PCs within single companies. McAfee's history of similar incidents raises concerns about its quality control and response to critical issues. The impact extended to large organizations, including Intel, which faced operational disruptions due to the faulty update. The incident highlights the importance of rigorous testing procedures in software updates to prevent such widespread disruptions in the future. McAfee has released a repair tool to address the issue, emphasizing the need for skilled support professionals to handle the repair process effectively.