Canvas data breach update: Hackers agree to delete data as Hamilton Cou reassures families
Canvas data breach update: Hackers agree to delete data as Hamilton Cou reassures families
Publish Date: 2026-05-12 09:59:00
Source Domain: newschannel9.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A major cybersecurity breach involving a platform used by some Hamilton County Schools students is taking a new turn.
The company behind Canvas says it has reached a deal with hackers to delete stolen data.
Canvas is used by schools across the country to manage grades, assignments and communication between teachers and students.
As we reported, the breach locked some users out of the system during a critical time in the school year.
The company, Instructure, says the data has now been returned and that it received “digital confirmation” the hackers destroyed remaining copies.
Still, officials say there is no way to guarantee that data is gone for good.
The breach is believed to have involved names, email addresses and student ID numbers.
The company says there is no evidence that passwords, financial information or government IDs were taken.
For families in Hamilton County, school leaders say there is no immediate action needed.
The district sent a message to parents last week, saying the amount of information shared with Canvas is limited.
That includes academic data, not sensitive personal details.
“HCS does not share sensitive student or staff information, such as birth dates or parent names,” the district said.
The district says it is staying in close contact with Canvas as the investigation continues.
Leaders also say they have strengthened cybersecurity protections in recent years, including safeguards against phishing and tighter controls on communication tools.
For now, the message to families is to stay informed.
And watch for updates if anything changes.
Depend on us to keep you posted.
