CrowdStrike Issues $10 Uber Eats Gift Cards to Contractors Amid Software Failure

CrowdStrike Issues $10 Uber Eats Gift Cards to Contractors Amid Software Failure

CrowdStrike responds to a major software failure with $10 Uber Eats gift cards for contractors, but some codes were quickly disabled due to high usage rates.

Key Points
  • CrowdStrike issued $10 Uber Eats gift cards to contractors following a major software failure.
  • The error caused the “blue screen of death” on millions of Windows-based computers, leading to significant financial losses for Fortune 500 companies.
  • Some gift card codes were quickly disabled due to high usage rates and flagged as fraud by Uber.
  • CrowdStrike’s chief business officer, Daniel Bernard, sent the apology email.
  • Contractors reported receiving gift cards, but some experienced issues with the codes being invalid.

CrowdStrike has responded to a major software failure by issuing $10 Uber Eats gift cards to contractors, as reported by TechCrunch. The incident, which occurred on July 19, caused widespread disruptions and the infamous “blue screen of death” on millions of Windows-based computers. The error has resulted in severe financial losses for numerous Fortune 500 companies.

In an email sent to contractors, CrowdStrike apologized for the additional workload caused by the software failure. The message, supposedly from Daniel Bernard, the company’s chief business officer, included a promo coupon for Uber Eats as a gesture of goodwill. However, several recipients reported that the gift card codes were quickly disabled.

A UK contractor mentioned receiving a gift card worth 7.75 pounds, approximately $10. CrowdStrike spokesperson Kevin Benacci clarified the situation in an email, stating, “We did send these to our teammates and partners who have been helping customers through this situation. Uber flagged it as fraud because of its high usage rates.”

The gesture, while well-intentioned, faced criticism due to the rapid disabling of the codes, leaving some contractors unable to use their gift cards. This incident highlights the challenges companies face in managing goodwill gestures during crisis situations and underscores the need for robust support systems to address such large-scale disruptions effectively.