[Students] Nationwide Security Breach Affecting Canvas

[UCR Information Technology Solutions]

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Notice: UCR ITS is monitoring a nationwide security breach involving Canvas

Dear Highlander Community,

On May 1, 2026, Instructure, the maker of UC Riverside’s learning
management system Canvas, reported that it experienced a cybersecurity
incident perpetrated by a threat actor. As of May 2, they believe the
incident has been contained. This is a nationwide issue affecting thousands
of higher education institutions. The University of California Office of
the President (UCOP) is in close communication with Instructure and is
actively coordinating with the UCR Information Security Office to monitor
the situation.

Instructure is providing status updates on its website
<https://status.instructure.com/>. We will share updates with the
Highlander community through the ITS Blog
<https://its.ucr.edu/blog/2026/05/07/monitoring-nationwide-security-breach-involving-canvas>
as new information emerges. You may also visit the TechAlerts page
<https://techalerts.ucr.edu/> for updates.
Latest Update

Instructure’s latest update <https://status.instructure.com/> confirms that
Canvas states they are under maintenance. They are communicating directly
with impacted customers to provide organization-specific information and
support.

UCR Information Technology Solutions urges Highlanders to remain vigilant
and be cautious of phishing attempts. Watch for unexpected messages that
seem to come from UC Riverside. The university will never ask for
passwords, Social Security numbers, birthdates, or bank account information
through email, text, or phone calls.

Protect yourself from cybercriminals by practicing cybersecurity best
practices <https://its.ucr.edu/iso-alert/phishing-escalation>.


Sincerely,

Matthew Gunkel

Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor

Dewight Kramer

Chief Information Security Officer



This email account is not monitored by ITS staff. If you require technical
support, please take one of the following actions:

   -

   Visit the ITS website at its.ucr.edu to find self-help articles, submit
   and track support tickets, request IT services, and more.
   -

   For live support, you can contact the BearHelp helpdesk at 951-827-4848
   from Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
   -

   If you suspect you received a phishing email, please report it using
   PhishAlarm <https://its.ucr.edu/phishalarm>.
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