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Wits University affected by global cyberattack on Canvas learning system
via The Citizen2 min read
Wits University has confirmed it is among approximately 8,800 institutions worldwide impacted by a cyberattack targeting the Canvas learning management system, managed by Instructure. The university was informed of the data breach on May 7, 2026, which appears to be the work of a cyber extortion group. Information potentially compromised includes student names, email addresses, student numbers, and conversations within Canvas inboxes. The full extent and volume of data affected are still under forensic investigation by Instructure. The cyber extortion group ShinyHunters has claimed responsibility for the breach and threatened to release the stolen data by May 12, 2026, if a settlement is not negotiated. Wits communications manager Shirona Patel confirmed that the university's learning management platform, Ulwazi, has since been restored. Wits has urged students and staff to be cautious of phishing attempts and suspicious emails requesting login credentials or personal information, and to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading associated files.
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