Reflecting on the Canvas cyberattack and student privacy: Opinion

Opinion

In a recent piece for The Conversation, Abu Barkat ullah (Barkat) (University of Canberra) and Mohiuddin Ahmed (Adelaide University) discuss cybersecurity in light of the recent Canvas cybersecurity incident. The authors write that the growth of online and hybrid learning has encouraged institutions to adopt learning management systems that can help manage aspects such as coursework, assessments, and attendance. However, these systems also store a significant amount of sensitive information and are highly interconnected, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. The situation with Canvas, write the authors, highlights the need for institutions to take steps such as implementing stronger security, adding additional protection for particularly sensitive information, and offering cyber-awareness education.

The Conversation