Object Storage: Versioning, Object Lock and ETag Checks
On object storage, 'deleted' may mean a delete marker. The data can still be there, hidden by a versioning layer.
Check versioning first
If versioning was enabled, listing versions reveals non-current objects and delete markers. Object lock or legal hold can also keep data unreadable but present.
If the backend is damaged
Then it becomes a distributed-storage problem: metadata services, erasure-coded shards, and index databases. Collect logs and topology before touching nodes.
FAQ
Can I restore a deleted bucket?
With versioning, often yes; without it, only from backups or the underlying storage.
Are lifecycle rules a risk?
Yes — expiration policies delete data silently.