Global online shutdowns hit major businesses

admin 2021年6月22日

science & technology, science & technology - expert, world news, world news - expert

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

outage /OU-tij/

[noun] – a period when a service, such as electricity, is not available
Power outages affected nearly 100 houses in the aftermath of the typhoon.

large-scale /LAHRJ-SKEYL/

[adjective] – involving many people or things, or happening over a large area
A large-scale organizational reform is being planned.

stock exchange /stok iks-CHEYNJ/

[noun] – a place where shares in companies are bought and sold, or the organization of people whose job is to do this buying or selling
Haru makes a living by trading on the international stock exchange.

stability /stuh-BIL-i-tee/

[noun] – a situation in which something such as an economy, company, or system can continue regularly and successfully without unexpected changes
Social stability must be one of the local government’s priorities.

cybersecurity /sahy-ber-si-KYOOR-i-tee/

[noun] – things that are done to protect a person, organization, or country and their computer information against crime or attacks carried out using the internet
The authorities provided more funds to strengthen cybersecurity.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Major banks in Australia and US airlines were hit by hour-long online outages last Thursday, June 17. Among those affected were American, Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines. Other firms around the globe were also affected. The outages were reported to have started at around 2:17 p.m. Sydney time that caused large-scale problems in Australia due to its mid-afternoon timing. Banks in New Zealand and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange also reported problems in their online services. According to one of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group’s (ANZ) spokespersons, the trouble is “related to an external provider” but “connectivity was restored quickly and the most impacted services are back online.” The root cause of the incident has been traced to US-based tech provider Akamai.

An Akamai spokesperson responded with, “Our priority is restoring service as quickly as possible. We will share additional information as it becomes available.” The latest incident has drawn attention to vital online platforms’ stability. Hack-for-ransom attacks in various big companies—particularly in the US —since May have caused other businesses to fear cybersecurity risks. US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed cybersecurity as their top agenda during their meeting in Geneva, Switzerland last June 16.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you experienced an online outage during a busy hour? Please tell me more about it.
When was the last time an online outage happened in your area or country?
If you were making transactions online and an outage occurs, what would you do?
Are Akamai and other tech providers responsible for the cybersecurity of both companies and individuals using their services?
What preventive measures must governments do to ensure that online platforms are safe to use?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

trace
spokesperson
draw attention
particularly
agenda