Millions warned they may face wage delays next week as global IT outage hits payroll systems
Workers are potentially facing lots of problems if they aren't paid in time for their bills going out
GETTY
Workers are warned their monthly wages may be delayed next week due to the worldwide IT outage.
The issue came from a “defect” in a content update for Microsoft Windows users, resulting in flights being grounded, health care services affected and online payment systems shut down.
Depending on the length of this outage, it could have "very serious implications" for businesses across the nation.
One expert has explained that the issues with payroll system could effect when workers will get their pay due to logging delays.
Melanie Pizzey, CEO and Founder of the Global Payroll Association has been contacted by numerous clients today who have been unable to access their payroll software due to the Microsoft outage, while others have been urged to log out with immediate effect.
The CEO said: "Depending on the length of this outage, it could have very serious implications for businesses across the nation, particularly those who process payroll on a weekly basis.
The issues with payroll system could effect when workers will get their pay due to logging delays
GETTY"Furthermore, we could see a backlog with regard to processing payrolls for the coming month end which may delay employees from receiving their monthly wage.
"At best, it will require those managing payroll to work overtime to rectify the issue, but the good news is that it doesn’t seem to be a cyber attack.
"This means that the sensitive employee details held within payroll should be safe, although we’re seeing many companies understandably take action to minimise such a threat as a precaution.”
Some 4.3 million people in Britain are paid weekly, making up around 15 per cent of the working population, according to jobs site Indeed.
In a statement, Crowdstrike said: “This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed.”
However, many businesses are still struggling to get back on track.
CrowdStrike is one of the world’s largest cybersecurity providers, providing antivirus and cyberattack prevention tools to businesses.
The flaw in its update caused many Windows PCs to crash, as well as many businesses and institutions around the world.
This has particularly impacted the transport, financial and healthcare sectors, with airlines and airports, train services, pharmacies and GP surgeries and even the London Stock Exchange affected.
It is unclear how long will the issue take to be rectified given the scale of devices and businesses impacted.
It could take several days for every impacted computer to be fixed and returned to normal use, particularly at smaller firms with fewer resources.
Cybersecurity experts said it is good news that the issue has only impacted Windows users.
CrowdStrike confirmed Apple Mac and Linux users were unaffected – and a fix having been deployed should mean larger IT departments can quickly begin restoring services.
But signs of disruption are likely to remain throughout Friday and into the weekend, reports have said.