Cloud Data Loss: Did AWS Fail Adarsh Developers?
A major lawsuit has been filed by Adarsh Developers against Amazon Web Services (AWS) after a devastating cloud data loss, sparking debate about cloud security and vendor responsibility. Was it a technical glitch, human error, or something more sinister? Let’s dive into the details.
What Happened? Adarsh’s Cloud Data Nightmare
Bengaluru-based Adarsh Developers claims years of vital company and customer data vanished from their AWS-hosted SAP ERP system. The company alleges financial losses exceeding ₹100 crores (over $12 million USD) as a result.
- FIR filed February 11th.
- Data loss occurred January 9, 2025.
- Entire SAP S/4HANA environment on AWS was deleted.
- Adarsh Developers estimates daily losses of ₹5 crores.
The Allegations: Vendors, Upgrades, and Vanished Data
Adarsh Developers says that an AWS representative advised an upgrade to enhance security. Yet, their data vanished. They point fingers at Redington (a vendor) and AWS.
“We complied with AWS’s recommendations for enhanced security, but the result was catastrophic,” says a source close to Adarsh Developers. “Our entire system was wiped clean.”
How Could Cloud Data Disappear? Potential Causes
Data loss isn’t always about hackers. Several factors can contribute, especially in complex cloud environments.
- Cloud Misconfiguration: Poorly set up storage, weak security, unsecured databases.
- Human Error: Mistakes happen, leading to unintended consequences.
- Vendor Issues: Adarsh alleges Redington employees deleted their account.
Amazon’s Response: “Claims are False”
AWS denies any responsibility.
“The claims against AWS are false. AWS operated as designed and is not responsible for the deletion of Adarsh Developers’ data,” an AWS spokesperson told The Hindu.
The cybercrime investigation continues, leaving many questions unanswered. (Source: The Hindu)
Cloud Data Loss: Has This Happened Before?
Unfortunately, Adarsh’s case isn’t unique. Cloud outages and data loss have plagued even the biggest providers.
- Microsoft Azure (2019): An outage led to data loss in Azure SQL databases. [The Register report on the Azure outage](link to a relevant Register article if possible)
- Code Spaces: Hacked, resulting in complete data and backup deletion.
Lessons Learned: Protecting Your Data in the Cloud
This case serves as a reminder to prioritize data protection in the cloud. Consider these steps:
- Multiple Backups: Don’t rely on a single backup solution.
- Robust Security: Implement strong access controls and monitor for suspicious activity.
- Vendor Due Diligence: Carefully vet your cloud providers and understand their responsibilities.
- Disaster Recovery Plan: Have a plan in place for data recovery in case of an incident.
You’ll want to take proactive steps to protect yourself. It’s your data, and you’re responsible for its safety.
