Current information
12 May 2026
Update at 11:00: An agreement between the Canvas provider and the hacker group has now been reached, and the data stolen from Canvas has been returned. No data from Canvas will be shared with third parties. To learn more, read the news article.
11 May 2026
Update at 13:00: Canvas is now open and can be used again. Please see the questions and answers below if you have any queries.
Update at 11:15: Canvas will reopen today at 13.00. Read the news for more information.
8 May 2026
Update at 12:00: Read the news about what we know so far.
Update at 10:30: Canvas has been shut down as a security measure to prevent any further external interference. It will remain closed at least until 13:00 on Monday 11 May. If you have any questions regarding instruction, examinations, and assessment, please contact the teacher who is responsible for the course.
Questions and answers
Here you will find questions and answers about the cyber security incident on the Canvas learning platform.
What has happened?
The company Instructure, which provides the Canvas learning platform, has been affected by a cyber security incident. Umeå University has been informed that we are one of more than 40 Swedish higher education institutions impacted.
Umeå University urges all Canvas users to remain especially vigilant regarding potential phishing attempts.
What measures has Umeå University taken?
For security reasons, Umeå University decided to close Canvas to all users from 8 to 11 May.
Canvas reopened at 13:00 on Monday 11 May.
Our incident management procedures have been activated. We are monitoring the situation closely and taking the necessary measures to ensure that we can deliver teaching in a secure manner.
Is it safe to use Canvas after it has reopened?
Yes, the system is stable and can be used as normal. On 12 May, the provider announced that it had reached an agreement with the hacker group, resulting in the return of the stolen data. None of the stolen data will be shared with others.
I was unable to conduct my studies while Canvas was down. What should I do?
Please contact your teacher who is responsible for the course with any questions regarding that specific course.
Do I need to change the password for my UMU account?
No, not because of the breach in Canvas. However, if you are unsure whether you may have shared your password in any other context, we recommend that you change it.
You can change the password for your UMU ID on the My Settings page.
What should I do if I have clicked on a suspicious link or disclosed my password?
We are not aware of any suspicious links within Canvas, and students at Umeå University do not have passwords stored in Canvas. Authentication is carried out using your username (UMU ID) and password via the University’s central login service.
The general advice, if you are uncertain whether your password may have been compromised, you should always change it. If you want to change the password for your UMU ID, you can do so on the My Settings page.
How can I protect myself against phishing?
Phishing is a common method used to obtain passwords or banking and card details. Attackers send mass emails to a large number of recipients in the hope that some will respond. The email may appear to come from a bank or another well-known organisation.
Checklist to protect yourself against phishing and malicious software:
- Examine the email carefully and make sure you can see the full sender email address before opening an attachment or clicking on a link. Is the message expected? Does the sender normally write in this way?
- Be cautious and do not click if the message urges you to, for example, disclose card or bank account numbers or passwords, download attachments or software, or act urgently.
- If you are suspicious, verify the sender through channels other than those stated in the message, or refrain from opening or clicking.
- If Umeå University appears to be the sender, please forward suspicious emails to abuse@umu.se.
I find this situation distressing and am feeling anxious about it – who can I talk to?
The Student Health Services is available to support students at Umeå University.