The July 2023 CrowdStrike outage, triggered by an automatic update failure, disrupted operations in key industries like airlines, healthcare, and financial services, raising questions about security preparedness, response plans, and the importance of managed services.
While emergencies like these can be damaging, they also create opportunities for Intelisys sales partners to step in as trusted advisors, helping their clients strengthen their security postures and prepare for future incidents.
Here, we’ll explore lessons learned from the CrowdStrike outage and how sales partners can use this incident to drive meaningful conversations with their clients about security preparedness and managed services.
Understanding the CrowdStrike Incident
On July 19, 2023, CrowdStrike, a major cybersecurity provider, experienced an update failure, leading to a temporary outage that impacted major companies like Delta Airlines and healthcare providers using Epic’s electronic medical records (EMR) system.
While CrowdStrike took swift action to address the issue, the incident highlighted key areas businesses must consider for security preparedness, including the importance of a robust incident response plan and the risks associated with automatic updates.
In addition to the immediate business impacts, this incident revealed how dependent modern organizations are on their cybersecurity infrastructure. When that infrastructure fails, even for a short period, the ripple effects can be far-reaching—affecting customer trust, regulatory compliance, and overall business continuity. Therefore, having the right safeguards in place is no longer just an option; it’s necessary.
For sales partners, the CrowdStrike outage serves as a reminder that even the most trusted cybersecurity providers can face unexpected challenges. As businesses become more dependent on technology and cloud-based solutions, the risk of disruptions only grows, and this presents a unique opportunity for partners to assist their clients in navigating these complex issues.
Opportunities for Sales Partners to Strengthen Client Relationships
When high-profile outages occur, businesses often reflect on their vulnerability to similar incidents.
For sales partners, the CrowdStrike outage can serve as a gateway to engage clients in meaningful discussions about their security readiness. Asking questions like, “What’s your plan if your primary security provider experiences an outage?” can help uncover gaps and position you as a valuable resource.
Other questions to ask can include:
- How often do you test and update your incident response plan?
- Are you confident in your ability to prevent widespread disruption during a security incident?
- Do you have a backup plan if your primary cybersecurity provider faces a prolonged outage?
- How do you ensure that your systems are protected during updates or system changes?
- What is your approach to maintaining compliance during unexpected service disruptions?
These can help open the door to discussions about the importance of a well-thought-out incident response plan that’s regularly tested. Many businesses, especially smaller ones, may have plans that remain untested. Sales partners can add value by identifying gaps and encouraging regular reviews, shifting the focus from selling products to offering solutions that protect clients’ operations. This approach also demonstrates to clients that you’re committed to their long-term success.
Leveraging Managed Security Solutions
One of the biggest takeaways from the CrowdStrike outage is the value of managed security services. Relying solely on automatic updates or in-house IT teams can expose businesses to risks, especially when disruptions occur.
By offering managed security services, sales partners can help their clients avoid these pitfalls and ensure their systems remain protected.
Managed services offer a proactive alternative to relying solely on automatic updates by providing continuous monitoring, regular vulnerability assessments, and tailored support during crises. These solutions help businesses maintain uptime and strengthen their security posture, even during unexpected events:
- Delayed updates: Rather than relying on automatic updates, managed services allow businesses to control when updates are applied, reducing the risk of unexpected failures. This approach also enables a phased rollout, starting with less critical machines or applications to ensure stability before wider deployment.
- Regular vulnerability testing: Continuous testing helps identify potential weaknesses in a business’s security posture, allowing for quick fixes before issues escalate.
- Customized support: Managed services provide businesses with tailored solutions that meet their unique needs, ensuring they’re not left scrambling during an outage.
Moreover, managed services offer scalability, allowing businesses to adjust their security measures as they grow. This adaptability is vital, as organizations face ever-evolving cyber threats that require flexible, responsive solutions.
Whether through regular system assessments or implementing delayed update strategies, managed services help businesses avoid potential risks while maximizing uptime.
Sales partners can position themselves as trusted advisors by guiding clients through these benefits. With Intelisys, you have access to a comprehensive suite of managed security services that can help clients avoid downtime, prevent disruptions, and strengthen their security posture.
By partnering with experts who specialize in managing these services, you can offer your clients peace of mind, knowing their systems are monitored and protected around the clock.
Turning a Crisis into Opportunity: Strengthening Security Conversations
Security incidents like the CrowdStrike outage are not only wake-up calls for businesses but also prime opportunities for sales partners to step in as trusted advisors. Clients may now be rethinking their security strategies, and this is your chance to offer them proactive guidance.
Start by having open conversations about their security readiness. Use the CrowdStrike outage to ask key questions and emphasize the importance of a strong incident response plan. Rather than focusing on individual products, position your solutions as part of a comprehensive strategy that protects their operations and prevents future disruptions.
Promote the value of managed security services, which provide continuous monitoring, regular testing, and hands-on support. With managed services, your clients can avoid risks tied to automatic updates and keep their systems secure. Additionally, leveraging Intelisys resources, such as webinars and whitepapers, will keep you informed and ready to serve your clients effectively.
Now is the time to engage your clients in these critical security discussions. Encourage them to review their incident response plans, explore managed services, and invest in proactive measures that will minimize downtime and protect their business.
Contact your Intelisys Solutions Engineering team today to learn more about how managed security services can safeguard your clients from future disruptions and strengthen their security strategies.
Learn more with Intelisys University
Check out the full recording of our webinar on this topic, available in Intelisys University Learning.
And take a look at the additional resources in Intelisys University. There, you’ll find a complete campaign kit of marketing materials – including a brandable brochure, email drips and a social media campaign.
The CrowdStrike Incident: Staying Ahead of Potential Threats Campaign: https://intelisys.techadvice.pro/#internalplaybook/72365
