Learn from GitHub

The Day GitHub
Went Down: Learn From It

In 2018, a routine maintenance operation triggered a cascading failure, bringing GitHub down for over 24 hours. Incident Drill lets your team practice responding to similar database outages, so you're prepared when the unexpected happens.

GitHub | 2018 | Outage (Database)

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The Peril of Unforeseen Database Failures

Database failures can cripple your entire operation. The GitHub outage highlighted the importance of robust disaster recovery, effective communication, and well-rehearsed incident response plans. Without these, a minor issue can quickly escalate into a major crisis.

PREPARE YOUR TEAM

Incident Drill: Your Database Outage Simulator

Incident Drill provides realistic simulations of database outages, allowing your team to practice their response in a safe, controlled environment. We focus on building muscle memory, improving communication, and identifying critical gaps in your infrastructure and processes.

⚠️

Realistic Simulations

Experience the pressure of a real database outage, without the real-world consequences.

🗣️

Collaborative Response

Practice communication and coordination between teams during critical incidents.

🔎

Root Cause Analysis

Develop your skills in identifying the root cause of complex database failures.

📚

Post-Incident Review

Learn from your mistakes and continuously improve your incident response process.

📊

Performance Tracking

Track your team's performance over time and identify areas for improvement.

🛠️

Customizable Scenarios

Tailor simulations to your specific infrastructure and potential failure modes.

WHY TEAMS PRACTICE THIS

Benefits of Practicing Database Incident Response

✓ Reduce downtime and minimize impact on users.
✓ Improve team communication and coordination.
✓ Identify and address vulnerabilities in your infrastructure.
✓ Build confidence and reduce stress during real incidents.
✓ Develop a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
✓ Meet compliance requirements for incident response preparedness.

0:00

Routine maintenance begins.

0:15

Network partition occurs. CRITICAL

0:30

MySQL cluster failures and replica deadlocks.

1:00 - 24:00+

Service disruption and recovery efforts.

24:00+

Service restored. RESOLVED

How It Works

Step 1: Simulation Start

The incident begins, mirroring the initial network partition.

Step 2: Identify the Problem

Teams must diagnose the root cause of the database failures.

Step 3: Implement Recovery

Practice implementing recovery strategies to restore service.

Step 4: Post-Incident Review

Analyze the response, identify areas for improvement, and update procedures.

EXPLORE MORE

Related Incidents

Ready to Prevent Your Own Mega Outage?

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The Day GitHub Went Down: Learn From It