End to DST could spark Y2K-level IT crisis, experts warn

According to the EU proposal, each member state will decide whether it will switch to permanent summer or winter time from next year.

"Currently, computers automatically set their inner clocks according to winter and summer times," says Viktor Varga, Netlockʼs chief architect. "The machine determines that - for example, in the case of Hungary being set as the location - summer time has to be set on the last Sunday of March, while winter time has to be set on the last Sunday of October, based on the time schedule in its operational system. These days may differ in each country."

"Because the clocks of computers are inaccurate, most computers synchronize with online, so-called NTP time sources, which receive information from atomic clocks or satellite systems," he adds. "However, these also work with computers and summer/winter time-setting schedules. Therefore, we are facing a complex problem, which we have to prepare for, and for which we have to prepare IT systems as well."

According to Netlock, it is not only companies handling IT security on the highest levels that should pay heed to developments, but every firm operating computers should be wary of the challenges. While automatic system updates for operating systems, NTP servers, atomic clocks and other mobile devices might seem like the obvious answer, two major problems may arise during the procedure.

One issue is that EU member states do not have a common standpoint on the matter, so that each will have to decide on adopting either summer or winter time, meaning that every individual member state decision should be accommodated.

Another issue is that not every system updates itself automatically, as there are older operating systems, still widely used, that no longer receive updates. Several important devices, such as ATM machines, use these earlier operating systems, which are likely to require manual intervention.

"Those systems that do not receive the updates will not know that clock resettings should cease, so their time might differ from those with updates," Varga explains. "The different handling of time in the increasingly digitalized financial world, public administration, traffic, healthcare, and logistics may cause significant problems. Henceforth, it is recommended to check each computerʼs handling of time, and to update them in time."