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Don’t Let This Crisis Go to Waste:

Ultrasonic Solutions for Business Continuity in the Face of a Global IT Outage

In the wake of a global IT outage on July 18 that sent shockwaves through essential industries worldwide, CEOs are left grappling with a stark reality: our heavy reliance on online systems for communication and authentication has exposed critical vulnerabilities that could have been prevented in many instances.

Flights were grounded. Banking operations halted. Broadcast media cutover to backup systems. Emergency response systems froze. 

Thousands of essential businesses around the world came to a standstill as the outage disrupted operations on an unprecedented scale. But amid the chaos lies an opportunity—a moment to reassess, adapt, and fortify emergency response plans with robust, resilient transmission solutions like data-over-sound that can operate independently of internet connectivity so that data-dependent services can continue to safely function offline.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

  • Global IT outage impacts businesses, highlighting vulnerabilities in online communication and authentication systems.
  • The disruption exposes the need for robust emergency response plans and alternative solutions with offline capabilities.
  • Ultrasonic data transmission can be used to deliver seamless, secure offline communication and authentication.

A Wake-Up Call with Real-World Consequences

For any CEO, the well-being of your organization during such crises hinges on preparedness. There’s no doubt that the amount of time leadership teams strategizing for contingency plans is extraordinary. 

An effective emergency response plan is a lifeline – not just a checklist. However, no system is infallible. 

This outage has revealed how interconnected and fragile our systems are. It also demonstrated how exceptional leaders rise to the occasion even under the most extraordinary adversity.

In the midst of the outage, flight operations at major airports ground to a halt. The air travel industry is subjected to significant regulations that require copious amounts of contingency plans, yet passengers and staff at bustling airports faced unimaginable consequences when suddenly all systems failed. Flights were delayed, passengers were confused, and chaos ensued. This was the reality for many travelers as airlines like United, American, Delta, and Allegiant faced massive disruptions. 

Grounding flights was not just an inconvenience; it was a significant operational and financial blow.

Elsewhere, other industries typically unrelated, found common challenges. The banking sector felt the strain as transactions were halted and services disrupted. Customers were unable to access funds or complete transactions. Even the Sphere’s LED exosphere in Las Vegas went dark, showing how even the most technologically advanced setups can fail.

Ultrasonic Data Transmission: A Resilient Solution That Works On or Offline

Unlike NFC, QR codes, Bluetooth, and WiFi, ultrasonic technology can operate offline to facilitate communication and authentication during connectivity outages. Ultrasonic technology operates by transmitting data through sound waves, a method that doesn’t rely on internet connectivity to function. 

To illustrate how it works, let’s use a mass transit station as an example:

Digital scanners at transit station typically use the Internet to authenticate tickets before boarding. 

During an Internet outage, these systems are rendered useless, exposing your business to potential breaches, unauthorized access, long queues, and more. 

Using LISNR Radius® ultrasonic proximity technology, however, a transit station can detect proximity and send signals offline so that ticketless access can be authenticated and granted, security protocols remain intact, and more. 

The peace of mind that comes with knowing your authentication processes are still functioning is immeasurable.

> Related content: Video Demo – How Radius Facilitates Mobile Ticketing, Video Demo – Radius 3.0 – Feature Overview

Industries Impacted by the CrowdStrike Outage

The CrowdStrike outage impacted thousands of companies around the world across a wide variety of industries – from air travel to retail – demonstrating the numerous areas where ultrasonic proximity technology can be used offline when online access is disrupted.

Air Transportation

Like transit systems, airports can use ultrasonic signals for ticketing and boarding. Grounded flights due to the outage caused significant delays. Ultrasonic technology can be an essential tool for airports to manage boarding and ticketing without internet connectivity, minimizing disruptions offline.

Banking

Financial institutions can use ultrasonic technology for card and person presence detection at ATMs and for in-branch. During the recent outage, customers at thousands of bank locations around the world were unable to access their accounts. With ultrasonic technology, these banks could have continued offering essential services seamlessly.

Broadcast Media

In the broadcast media industry, where continuous operation is critical, ultrasonic data transmission can maintain secure communication for emergency response notifications. During the outage, major broadcasters like NBC News, MSNBC, and Sky News faced broadcast interruptions during the outage and had to switch to backup options. Some on-air journalists even used cell phones to communicate.

Digital Gaming Platforms

With ultrasonic data transmission, apps like gaming and entertainment can continue authenticating access and transactions. For example, during the CrowdStrike outage, BetMGM's betting app faced downtime due to the outage. Ultrasonic technology ensures that gaming platforms remain operational and secure, even when online systems fail.

Emergency Response Services

Emergency services can rely on ultrasonic signals for secure communication and authentication, facilitating seamless coordination and response even during system failures. In some regions, emergency services faced communication breakdowns during the CrowdStrike. Ultrasonic technology could have provided a reliable communication channel, enhancing response efforts.

Hospitality

In the hospitality industry, where guest experience is paramount, ultrasonic data transmission can provide personalized services offline. Imagine a guest arriving at your hotel during an IT outage. With ultrasonic technology, their check-in process remains smooth, and their room preferences are still honored, all without needing an internet connection.

Law Enforcement

Ultrasonic technology can enhance resilience so that proximity detection for critical law enforcement services remain operational. This includes the presence detection of law enforcement officers, undercover agents, geofenced prisoners under house arrest, or protected persons in the witness protection program. Ultrasonic signals provide a reliable and secure method for maintaining situational awareness and operational integrity during outages.

Quick Serve Restaurants

In the quick service restaurant industry, where speed and efficiency are crucial, ultrasonic technology can handle order processing and payment authentication seamlessly during outages. For instance, during a network failure, ultrasonic data transmission can handle order processing and payment authentication seamlessly, ensuring that operations remain uninterrupted and customer satisfaction is maintained.

Retail

Ultrasonic technology enables contactless payments and personalized experiences on-prem even when networks are down. During the outage, several retail stores faced payment processing issues. With ultrasonic data transmission, retailers could have processed transactions, dispensed prescriptions, and even served personalized marketing offerings to loyalty customers without any connectivity issues.

Just Because the World’s Offline Doesn’t Mean You Have to Be

The global IT outage is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in our reliance on online systems. In times of crisis, preparedness and resilience are paramount. As we navigate the aftermath of this outage, let it be a catalyst for change. 

Maintaining operations during an IT outage can be a major competitive advantage. From reevaluating emergency response plans to implementing ultrasonic data transmission, there are elements of your business that can remain operational.

Don’t let this crisis go to waste—take action now to build a more resilient future. When you’re ready to discuss if ultrasonic data transmission might be right for you, contact LISNR to schedule an evaluation.