Ring Founder Calls AWS Outage a ‘Tough Day’ for Customers

UPDATE: Ring’s founder, Jamie Siminoff, describes the recent Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage as a “tough day” for the company and its customers. This critical service interruption on Monday left many Ring users unable to access their home security systems, including live camera feeds and alarm disarmament.

During the outage, which affected numerous online services, including major retailers and banks, Ring customers took to social media expressing frustration and concern. “It’s like the beginning of a modern scary movie,” one user tweeted, while another added, “I hope no one gets robbed right now.” The anxiety surrounding home security during such a disruption has highlighted Ring’s vital role in customer safety.

In an interview with Business Insider, Siminoff stated, “You never want to disappoint customers. We call our customers neighbors.” He emphasized his commitment to customer service, noting that his email is included on every Ring package to ensure direct communication.

The AWS outage, which stemmed from a Domain Name System error at the AWS data center in Northern Virginia, not only disrupted Ring but also impacted various services, including online shopping and food ordering. Some users reported waking up to unexpected alerts from their Alexa devices, while others were unable to place orders with Starbucks or manage their Robinhood accounts.

The outage has since been resolved, with AWS services returning to normal operations. Siminoff acknowledged the challenges faced during the incident, saying, “We got through it.” He has returned to Ring in April 2025 as the VP of Product for Amazon, where he oversees Ring and other related security products. This role comes after a brief hiatus from the company earlier this year.

Siminoff is also promoting his new book, Ding Dong, where he shares insights into his experiences leading Ring. Reflecting on the AWS outage, he commented on the reliability of AWS, stating, “If you look at the history of AWS, I’d say it’s pretty stellar, but I guess stuff does happen, as the bumper sticker says.”

As the home security landscape continues to evolve, the implications of such outages remain significant for consumers reliant on these technologies for safety and peace of mind. With disruptive technological failures becoming more prevalent, it is crucial for companies like Ring to maintain robust communication and service strategies during crises.

As the tech community digests the fallout from this latest incident, customers and industry watchers alike will be watching closely for how Ring and AWS adapt and improve their systems to prevent future outages. The impact of this outage on user trust and company reputation is yet to be fully assessed, but it underscores the delicate balance of technology, security, and customer expectations in today’s digital landscape.