Canvas is available again for students and staff
Canvas is available again for students and staff
Update 19 May
In recent days, Canvas has proven to be stable and secure. All links related to teaching activities have been restored and are active. We will, of course, continue to actively monitor Canvas and pay close attention to any signs that may indicate irregularities.
Like other universities, the UvA is reporting the hack to the police. In addition, the UvA is working with Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) on a supplementary notification to the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP); a preliminary notification has already been submitted to the AP.
Update 13 May 16:00: Canvas is available again for students and staff
The latest information about Canvas can now be found on services.uva.nl. Updates will no longer be published on student.uva.nl.
Extended opening hours Service Desk ICT Services
During Ascension Day (Thursday 14 May) and on Friday 15 May, the Service Desk ICT Services will be open and available for questions about Canvas. You can contact the Servicedesk by phone between 08:30 and 17:00 via +31 20 525 14 02.
Update 12 May 15:00: Canvas will be available again to UvA students and staff on Wednesday 13 May at 09:00.
Based on what we currently know, we believe it is responsible to make Canvas available again. Because delivering education without Canvas creates additional workload for staff and causes stress for students, it is important that we do so as quickly and responsibly as possible.
We can never guarantee that our systems are 100% secure, but supplier Instructure has confirmed that the data obtained during the hack have now been secured. Naturally, we are doing everything we can to ensure a swift and smooth go-live, but it may take a little while before Canvas works exactly as you are used to. In the meantime, we are extra alert to suspicious activities and are closely monitoring Canvas’s performance and security so that we can act quickly if needed.
Logging in
Some users may experience problems logging in with Tiqr or MFA. In that case, we recommend resetting the app. Go to the MFA instructions. If you encounter any other problems when using Canvas, please contact the ICTS Service Desk.
Stay alert
The UvA is doing everything it can to make using systems such as Canvas as smooth and secure as possible for UvA users. This is a shared responsibility. We therefore ask students and staff who use UvA systems to help keep data secure: always be alert to which data you share, where, and through which systems, and ask for advice or help if you are in doubt.
Thank you
We understand that it was very inconvenient that Canvas was unavailable. Thank you for your understanding and patience in this situation. Want to stay informed or have questions? See the links below.
Regular updates on Canvas: services.uva.nl.
Update, 12 May, 10:00: confirmation of data deletion; Canvas restart under review
On Tuesday 12 May, supplier Instructure reported that they have received confirmation from the hackers behind the Canvas attack that the illegally obtained data have been deleted and will not be published. UvA technicians are currently analysing the system’s status to assess whether Canvas can be brought back online in a stable and secure manner. Further information will follow later today.
Update 11 May, 16:30: Canvas to remain closed on Tuesday
Due to significant technical uncertainties, Canvas will also remain closed to UvA users on Tuesday 12 May.
We expect to receive an up-to-date report from the software supplier, Instructure, tomorrow. We will have this information reviewed by internal and external experts. Depending on their findings, a decision will be taken on whether Canvas can be reopened in phases from Wednesday, or whether the security risks are still too great.
Matching for prospective students also takes place via Canvas and is therefore not possible at the moment. If you are a prospective student, please don’t worry. As soon as the system is up and running again, you will receive an email and can still proceed.
We hope to post a new update on this page on Tuesday evening, 12 May.
- Teaching will continue as usual on Tuesday. For any further questions, such as about phishing and marking deadlines, please check the updated FAQ page.
Update 11 May: Canvas still offline, website for lecturers
Canvas remains offline. UvA technicians are determining how to restore the system to safe use. On Monday morning, lecturers received an email with advice for alternative systems for teaching while Canvas is unavailable.
We expect to provide a further update by the end of the day on Monday.
Update 9 May, 11:00: Canvas remains offline
Unfortunately, Canvas software provider Instructure is still unable to give us sufficient assurances about the system’s security. Canvas will therefore remain offline for UvA students and staff on Saturday and Sunday.
Work on a solution is ongoing. We do not yet know whether this will be in place by Monday. We must therefore take into account that Canvas may still be unavailable after the weekend. Teaching in the week of 11 May will, in principle, proceed as scheduled, even if Canvas is not yet available. In that case, students and staff will experience limitations. A webpage with advice and practical tips will be provided for lecturers.
Having to switch off Canvas requires a great deal of flexibility from both students and lecturers. We thank everyone for that flexibility—and for your patience and understanding. We will of course do everything we can to return to normal as soon as possible.
Read the joint statement (in Dutch) by Universities of the Netherlands.
Update 8 May, 17:00: Call to log out of Canvas
All universities have disconnected Canvas. The universities are calling on users with an active session to log out of Canvas and not use it until further notice.
Update 8 May, 13:00: Canvas will remain offline
Canvas will remain offline on Friday 8 May. There is still too much uncertainty about the security of the system. A new update will follow on Saturday 9 May at 11:00.
- More information and FAQs can be found on our Q&A page.
- This mail was sent to all UvA students
Update, 8 May, 08:05: Canvas offline
Canvas has been taken offline. On Thursday evening, 7 May, the hacker group ShinyHunters posted a message claiming they have regained - or still have - access. As a precaution, Canvas has been taken offline. More information will follow.
Update 7 May: All Canvas functionalities available again
The affected functionalities have now been restored, and the final steps are being taken to make Perusall available again. This means that all Canvas functionalities can once again be used. It is safe to use Canvas. According to Instructure, no passwords have been compromised.
Update 6 May
Last night, Canvas provider Instructure confirmed that data belonging to UvA students, lecturers and staff are also involved in the data breach.
Questions about education?
If you have further questions about education or exams, contact your programme’s Education Desk.
Questions about ICT or data?
Do you have questions or concerns about your data? Or have you received a suspicious email? Please contact the Servicedesk ICT Services.
Contact
The Service Desk ICT Services is there to help you with all your ICT questions and problems.