Canvas outage FAQ
Can I log into AUT’s Canvas?
You can log back in any time from 5pm Sunday 10 May. AUT has undertaken rigorous testing. We’re now confident you can safely log back into Canvas. Please stay alert and make sure any emails you receive are from an AUT authenticated email address ending in aut.ac.nz.
Classes will proceed as normal from Monday 11 May 2026.
Am I still required to submit assessments given Canvas was down?
Yes, but we appreciate that you could not complete or submit assessments while Canvas was not available. Based on the Canvas outage we’ve applied extensions for assessments and scheduled tests. Find out more below:
- Classes will proceed as normal from Monday 11 May 2026.
- For any assessment that was due between Friday 8 May and Friday 15 May inclusive, there is a one-week (seven day) automatic extension. You don’t need to do anything; we’ve got you covered.
- Any other assessment that had a specific time scheduled (for example a test, quiz or presentation) between Friday 8 May and Friday 15 May inclusive will be rescheduled to at least one week later. Your lecturer will let you know the new date.
- The extended submission dates mean there is less time for marking and feedback before final assessments. Your lecturers will do their best to give you timely feedback but the amount of time you receive this before final assessments are due is likely to be impacted.
Will my AUT exams be rescheduled?
End of semester exams will not be rescheduled.
Can I get an extension for my AUT assessment because Canvas wasn’t available?
For any assessment that was due between Friday 8 May and Friday 15 May inclusive, there is a one-week (seven day) automatic extension. You don’t need to do anything; we’ve got you covered.
Any other assessment that had a specific time scheduled (for example a test, quiz or presentation) between Friday 8 May and Friday 15 May inclusive will be rescheduled to at least one week later. Your lecturer will let you know the new date.
Has my AUT data been compromised because of the Canvas breach?
The cyber attackers who compromised Canvas have said they have taken names, email addresses, student ID numbers and chat messages. However, we have no proof that this is true. AUT's systems have not been breached, and no other AUT systems are at risk.
We’re working with Instructure, the company that hosts Canvas, to ascertain what data has been compromised and will contact you to let you know.
What do I need to do to make sure my data is safe based on the Canvas breach?
Instructure hasn’t confirmed what data was compromised, but the hackers, Shinyhunter, has said it was names, email addresses, Student ID numbers and chat messages within Canvas. We don’t believe any financial information, passwords or further personal identifiers were breached.
If you receive any communication that appears to come from AUT or Canvas but does not include a unique email or URL web link, please report it to our ICT team by forwarding it to spam@aut.ac.nz with the subject line ‘suspicious communication’. We’ll look into it.
Legitimate emails and URL web links:
- aut.ac.nz
- instructure.com
- canvas.aut.ac.nz
How could Canvas hackers try to replicate AUT or Canvas services?
Those responsible for the breach may try to appear as AUT or Canvas. If you receive emails that don’t look like they’re from AUT or Canvas official email addresses or web URL links, don’t click on anything. Always check the full email address and web link, even if it looks legitimate at first glance.
Throughout 2026, we’ll be emailing students about financial support options as we recognise the ongoing cost of living and rising fuel prices. These messages are genuine. If they come from a legitimate AUT email (@aut.ac.nz), you can trust them. If they come from any other email address, please reach out to the Student Hub before sharing personal information.
If you receive any other emails asking for personal information that are not from an authenticated AUT email address (aut.ac.nz), reach out to the Student Hub before responding. We’re here to help – no question is too big or too small.
How can I make a special consideration application (SCA)?
You don’t need to apply for an extension related to the Canvas Outage. We’ve got you there! We’re applying 7-day extensions for assessments and scheduled tests, quizzes and presentations. But if something else has happened and you need to apply for a special consideration application, you can apply through our website.