On October 20, 2025, a major AWS outage reminded the world just how fragile the internet can be. Snapchat, Alexa, Asana, Venmo, Reddit, even banking and government apps went down.

What This Means for You

This wasn’t just a tech glitch. It’s one of many wake-up calls. We’ve become so dependent on “the cloud” that when one company stumbles, everyone feels it.

Here’s the takeaway:

• No service is 100% reliable. Outages happen.
• You need offline backups. For files, apps, maps, photos, everything.
• Digital self-reliance matters. Know how to function when the internet fails.

Ways to Be More Prepared When the Internet Goes Down

You don’t need to live off-grid to be ready for the next internet hiccup. A few simple habits can save you stress, time, and confusion when your favorite apps stop working. Here’s how to prep like a pro:

• Print important photos: Don’t rely on cloud storage alone. Print out cherished memories and save them to an external hard drive or USB.
• Download offline maps: Google Maps lets you save areas for offline use. Even better? Keep a physical map in your car or bag.
• Write down key contacts : Store important phone numbers and addresses in a notebook or your wallet, not just your phone.
• Back up files locally: Use an external hard drive or flash drive for documents, photos, and other must-have data.
• Keep physical copies of essentials in a safe: That includes ID documents, insurance info, banking details, and passwords.
• Own some physical entertainment: Books, board games, DVDs, downloaded music, and anything you enjoy that doesn’t rely on streaming.
• Prepare for offline payments: Carry a small amount of cash. If payment apps or card readers go down, you’ll still be able to buy what you need.
• Learn basic offline skills: Reading a map, using a compass, remembering key routes, these aren’t just “old-school,” they’re practical.
• Keep emergency apps with offline features: Some apps (like weather alerts or medical guides) work without a live connection. Find and download them ahead of time.
• Have a communication backup plan: Walkie-talkies, offline messaging apps, or even handwritten notes can help in a pinch.

Even in a connected world, a little offline readiness goes a long way. It’s not about ditching tech, it’s about not letting it be your only lifeline.

Digital Convenience Comes with a Cost

Most of us live online without thinking twice. We rely on cloud services to manage everything from our social lives to our finances, without questioning what happens when that tech suddenly stops working.

The AWS outage wasn’t just an inconvenience, it was a reality check. A single failure knocked out access to major platforms, payments, communication tools, and essential services. That’s not just a glitch. That’s a warning.

What this outage really showed is how vulnerable we’ve become. Not just as individuals, but as a society. When one company’s servers go dark, huge parts of the digital world disappear with them.

So what now?

• We start treating digital convenience like what it is: a helpful tool, not a guaranteed utility.
• We build digital resilience, just like we do for storms, power outages, or emergencies.
• We remember that offline skills and resources aren’t outdated, they’re your safety net.

The internet isn’t going away. But neither are outages, disruptions, or failures. The more prepared you are, the less power those failures have over your day-to-day life.

So don’t just scroll past this and wait for everything to “go back to normal.” Make some changes, even small ones, that give you more control, more backups, and less stress next time the digital lights go out.

Because there will be a next time.