Amazon Outage Disrupts Major Apps, Websites, and Banks
A significant internet outage has impacted numerous major applications, websites, and banking services globally. The disruptions have been primarily linked to Amazon Web Services (AWS), a pivotal provider of cloud computing infrastructure. Many users reported issues beginning around 8 AM in the UK, or midnight Pacific Time, as detailed by Down Detector.
Overview of the Outage
Applications including Snapchat, Roblox, Fortnite, and Duolingo were among those experiencing difficulties. Banks such as Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland also faced accessibility issues, preventing users from accessing their online banking services.
Cause of the Disruptions
Amazon acknowledged that they were dealing with “increased error rates” across multiple AWS services. The company stated that its engineers were actively investigating the issues. Although it is unclear whether the problems stem from a cyber attack, experts suggest that the internet’s underlying infrastructure may be more vulnerable than it appears.
Insights from Amazon
AWS identified a “potential root cause” after about two hours of outages, pinpointing issues related to DNS resolution for the DynamoDB API in the US-EAST-1 region. However, comprehensive details about the exact nature of the problem remain elusive.
Global Impact
Reports indicate that the outage has affected users worldwide. The disruptions were widespread, influencing various services including:
- Snapchat
- Roblox
- Fortnite
- Canva
- Online banking services in the UK
- Streaming platforms and online games
AWS and Its Role in the Internet
Amazon Web Services has grown to be the largest provider of cloud services globally. With revenues reaching $108 billion in the previous year, AWS remains a critical component for countless companies, facilitating the operation of numerous applications and websites without them having to construct their own data centers.
Future Considerations
As AWS continues to diagnose and address the situation, concerns about the resilience of internet infrastructure persist. While this incident may not be a result of intentional harm, it highlights the precariousness of digital systems that underpin much of daily life.
Users are encouraged to remain patient as Amazon works to resolve these issues and restore normal functionality to affected services.
