Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s largest cloud providers, recently experienced a major outage that disrupted popular websites and apps across the globe—including Snapchat, Reddit, Fortnite, Ring, and Coinbase, according to reports from CNN and CNBC.
The disruption began out of Northern Virginia, where many of the internet’s most-used applications are hosted.
AWS said the problem originated within its EC2 internal network, impacting more than 70 of its own services, and was tied to DNS issues, the system that tells browsers how to find the right servers online.
A few hours after the initial reports of outages, AWS said the problem had been “fully mitigated,” though it took several more hours for all users to see their systems stabilized, according to CNBC.
There is no indication the outage was caused by a cyberattack, and Amazon continues to investigate the root cause.
Why So Many Apps Went Down
When Amazon Web Services falters, the ripple effects reach far beyond businesses. Millions of consumers suddenly lose access to everyday apps and tools, including everything from banking and airline systems to gaming platforms and smart home devices.
“In the past, companies ran their own servers—if one failed, only that company’s customers felt it,” said Steve Grobman, McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer. “Today, much of the internet runs on shared backends like Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud. That interconnectedness makes the web faster and more efficient, but it also means one glitch can impact dozens of services at once.”
Grobman noted the issue was related to a capability called DNS within AWS, he described DNS as providing the directions on how systems find each other and even if those systems are operational, it can be detrimental.. It’s analogous to “tearing up a map or turning off your GPS before driving to the store.” The store might still be open and stocked, he explained, but if you can’t find your way there, it doesn’t matter.
“Even with rigorous safeguards in place, events like this remind us just how complex and intertwined our digital world has become,” Grobman added. “It highlights why resilience and layered protection matter more than ever.”
Outages Create Confusion—And Opportunity for Scammers
Events like this sow uncertainty for consumers. When apps fail to load, people may wonder: Is my account hacked? Is my data at risk? Is it just me?
Cybercriminals exploit that confusion. After past outages, McAfee researchers have seen phishing campaigns, fake refund emails, and malicious links promising “fixes” or “status updates” appear within hours.
Scammers often mimic legitimate service alerts—complete with logos and urgent wording—to trick users into entering passwords or payment information. Others push fake customer-support numbers or send direct messages claiming to “restore access.”
How to Protect Yourself During a Major Outage
Here’s how to stay secure when the :
- Pause before you click. Be skeptical of any unsolicited message about outages, refunds, or account verification.
- Go straight to the source. Check the official app or website status pages—don’t follow links in emails or texts.
- Ignore urgent “fix” offers. Legitimate companies won’t ask you to download tools or send payment to restore access.
- Watch for red flags. Requests for money via gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers are almost always scams.
- If you clicked a suspicious link:
- Change your password immediately (and for any accounts using the same one).
- Turn on or refresh two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Monitor recent transactions and set up alerts.
- Run a trusted security scan to remove any unwanted apps or remote-access tools.
How McAfee Can Help
Using advanced artificial intelligence, McAfee’s Scam Detector automatically detects scams across text, email, and video, blocks dangerous links, and identifies deepfakes, stopping harm before it happens.
McAfee’s identity protection tools also monitor for signs that your personal information may have been exposed and guide you through steps to recover quickly.
Sign in to your McAfee account to scan for recent breaches linked to your email. You can also sign up for a free trial of McAfee antivirus to protect your devices.
