Navigating Cloudflare's Outage: Lessons in Resilience

Nina Domingo
January 6, 2026
News
Recent internet outages in Mumbai, caused by a spike in HTTP errors reported by Cloudflare, highlight vulnerabilities in centralized networks and emphasize the need for resilience. Startups have responded by adopting strategies like multi-cloud approaches or strengthening existing infrastructures. While cloud services offer great benefits, they also pose challenges, and successful businesses are those that strategize and adapt to potential disruptions.

Let's talk about resilience in our digital world for a second. Recently, internet users in Mumbai faced significant interruptions when Cloudflare reported a spike in HTTP errors, leading to an unexpected outage. This incident not only disturbed numerous online services but also highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in our reliance on centralized network infrastructures. As investigate the root cause, it emphasizes the importance of building robust and resilient digital networks.

Here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just about a single outage. It's about how we prepare for them. I've seen startups devastated by unexpected outages, and the most resilient ones aren't necessarily the biggest—they're the most adaptable.

Startup Stories: How They Cope

In the wake of such outages, different startups and businesses adapt in varying ways. One DTC brand I covered last month opted to switch to a multi-cloud strategy, spreading their resources across multiple providers to avoid similar outages. Their founder explained, "We learned the hard way that putting all our eggs in one basket could be devastating." On the other side, a SaaS company chose to double down on strengthening their existing infrastructure with adaptive solutions.

Nina's take: "I've covered enough launches to know that what works for one startup can completely flop for another. Context matters more than we’d like to admit." The approaches vary, but the focus remains consistent—ensuring continuity despite potential disruptions.

The Nuances of Cloud Services

The reality is more nuanced than the headlines suggest: cloud providers like Cloudflare offer immense benefits but come with their own set of challenges. In my conversations with founders, I often hear the dilemma of choosing between agility and dependency.

"Everyone's chasing the next big technology," I always tell founders, "but honestly? The brands winning right now are those who anticipate challenges and innovate around them." Cloudflare's recent hiccup serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of digital services.

My Take

Plot twist: both risk mitigation strategies and innovative technologies have their place. Whether opting for a multi-cloud approach or enhancing existing systems, there are trade-offs. The key is understanding what these trade-offs mean for your unique business scenario.

As I’ve witnessed time and again, the successful founders aren't just reacting to challenges; they're strategizing for them. So, what are you doing to ensure your digital infrastructure is resilient? Let's discuss!

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