AWS CloudShell data is scheduled for deletion

Question

I received a notice that my root user hadn't logged into Cloudshell in 120 days and would be deleted on the 16th. I followed the directions and opened Cloudshell, logging into the console as my root user, letting the terminal load. My dashboard is still saying that it's due to be deleted. Is there something else I have to do? Please help!

I'm not great with tech things and barely managed to get this set up in the first place, but as an indie author, I run my whole newsletter through this. I'm worried I'm going to lose everything on my server, all my subscribers, all my data, etc. How can I get this deletion to stop?

I tried a support ticket and they told me to either post here or pay for a tech plan, but I'm on disability and can't afford anything else hitting my budget right now.

mandismuses · Answer

I might have to contact my host, because this is all a bit over my head :( Basically, I use Sendy, a "host your own" newsletter program. I use AWS Simple Email Service as the sender. My Sendy program itself is hosted on a separate server, it just connects to AWS when I'm sending my newsletter. So I wasn't even aware I had to log into a CloudShell console thing occasionally after it was set up, since I don't actually do anything in AWS once the system is done with the initial setup.

kentrad · Answer

So, hopefully you have your data on an EC2 instance and you have [automated snapshots](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/snapshot-lifecycle.html) configured.

When you use CloudShell, it creates [persistent storage](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cloudshell/latest/userguide/limits.html#persistent-storage-limitations) where you can store data, like a home directory. You should not be storing important data in CloudShell as there is no way for you to automate the backup of that data.

I'm 99% sure that where ever you host your newsletter is not dependent on CloudShell. If you add a comment about your hosting architecture we can make a better judgement.

Also, please take a look at [Security best practices in IAM](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/best-practices.html) concerning the use of root user.

AWS CloudShell data is scheduled for deletion

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