Alerts
The global cybersecurity incident affecting the Canvas learning management system is impacting thousands of schools and universities worldwide, including the University of Newcastle.
With Canvas unavailable, students have been advised to contact their Course Coordinators directly via email for all matters relating to their learning activities.
We will continue to keep our students and community updated via the alerts below as more information becomes available.
Global Canvas outage Last updated: Friday, 8th May 2026 - 5:00pm
Issued for: All locations
The University is aware that the Canvas outage has caused a break in access to our Adverse Circumstances form. Rest assured, the system outage period will be taken into consideration for any adverse circumstances applications received once live again. Additional supporting documentation for adverse circumstances will not be required if your application relates to the Canvas outage.
If students have immediate concerns or questions, they are advised to reach out to their Course Coordinators via email.
Our priority is to ensure that no student is disadvantaged by this outage.
We recognise that this event may be stressful, so please reach out if you need help. Student support services are available here, and staff can contact the University’s Employee Assistance Program.
Global Canvas outage Last updated: Friday, 8th May 2026 - 10:00am
Issued for: All locations
The University is aware of a global Canvas outage currently affecting institutions worldwide.
As a result, Canvas and related online learning materials are not accessible.
During this time, students should contact their Course Coordinators directly via email regarding any matters related to their learning activities.
Students scheduled to sit exams today have been contacted directly and advised that these exams will be rescheduled.
The University is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and will continue to keep staff and students updated as more information becomes available.
Canvas cybersecurity incident Last updated: Wednesday, 6th May 2026 - 2:00pm
Issued for: All locations
The University of Newcastle has been notified of a global cybersecurity incident affecting the Canvas learning management system (LMS). The vendor of the Canvas LMS has confirmed that our University is among approximately 9,000 institutions impacted by this event.
The vendor has advised that unauthorised access to its platform has resulted in the theft of data associated with some Canvas accounts. While the investigation is ongoing, they have confirmed that the affected data includes:
- Student names and University email addresses
- Student ID numbers
- Some content stored within Canvas, such as messages and course-related information.
At this time, the vendor reports they have found no evidence that passwords, dates of birth, government identifiers, or financial information are involved.
What is the University doing?
Our University has taken immediate action to secure all system connections, audit administrative access, and reset relevant credentials. We are also in contact with national cybersecurity agencies and we will continue to monitor our systems closely for any suspicious activity.
What should you do?
While the information affected appears to be limited, there is a heightened risk for targeted phishing attempts.
As a precaution, please take the following actions:
- Change your password – as a protective measure, please update your password to your email account and any other systems where you use the same or similar credentials.
- Be alert for suspicious emails - including those that look legitimate, where they are asking you to click links, download attachments, or provide login credentials.
- Report suspicious activity - use the "Report Phishing" button in your email or contact the DTS Service Desk immediately if you notice unusual system behaviour.
- Verify the sender - check the sender’s email address carefully. Cyber attackers often use "look-alike" domains that appear similar to official University addresses.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - ensure MFA is active on all your University accounts. If you receive an MFA prompt that you did not initiate, deny it immediately and report it.
Canvas is currently operating as normal. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Communications have been sent to all students, notifying them of this incident and providing advice on precautionary measures and support.
More information
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.