Canvas cyberattack disrupts North Texas schools

A cyberattack on the Canvas learning platform disrupted North Texas schools and universities during final exams, impacting over 30 million users nationwide. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility and threatened to release sensitive student data, raising concerns about potential leaks of personal information. Canvas, a widely used education platform, provides access to assignments, grades, and course materials for students and teachers. The disruption affected multiple North Texas districts, including Plano and Allen Independent School Districts, as well as institutions like Southern Methodist University and Tarrant County Community College. The attack occurred on Thursday, coinciding with critical exam periods. Cybersecurity experts warn that educational institutions are increasingly targeted by hackers. However, Canvas’s parent company, Instructure, has not yet disclosed the full extent of the breach or when services will be fully restored. School districts and universities confirmed disruptions through emails and statements, citing reliance on Canvas for academic operations. The lack of official updates from Instructure leaves affected institutions and students uncertain about data security and recovery timelines.