Canvas Company Pays Hackers to Protect Data

May 12, 2026, 19:23
AsiaTechnology

Introduction

Instructure makes the Canvas app. They had a deal with a group of hackers called ShinyHunters. The hackers stole data from many schools.

Main Body

On April 29, hackers entered the system. They stole information from 275 million people in many countries. They took names and emails. Some universities could not use Canvas for exams. The hackers said they would share the data. Instructure paid the hackers to stop them. The hackers deleted the data. But the FBI says people should not pay hackers. Now, the US government wants to talk to the company leader. They want to know about the security. In Hong Kong, the police say hackers might use the emails to trick people.

Conclusion

Canvas is working again. The company says the data is gone, but they are not 100% sure.

Learning

⚡ Quick Pattern: Past Actions

In this story, almost every sentence tells us about things that already happened. To move to A2, you need to see how verbs change to show the past.

The 'ED' Rule (Regular) Most words just add -ed at the end:

  • Pay → Paid (Wait! This one is special)
  • Enter → Entered
  • Delete → Deleted

The 'Rule-Breakers' (Irregular) Some words change completely. You must memorize these:

  • Make →\rightarrow Made
  • Steal →\rightarrow Stole
  • Say →\rightarrow Said
  • Take →\rightarrow Took

How to use them in a sentence

  • Present: Hackers steal data. (They do it often/now).
  • Past: Hackers stole data. (It happened on April 29).

Vocabulary Connection extCompany→ ext{Company} \rightarrow A business extData→ ext{Data} \rightarrow Information (emails, names) extSecurity→ ext{Security} \rightarrow Keeping things safe

Vocabulary Learning

company (n.)
a business that sells goods or services
Example:The company sells books online.
app (n.)
a software program for a computer or phone
Example:I downloaded a new app for my phone.
data (n.)
facts or information that can be used to learn something
Example:The data shows how many people visited the site.
system (n.)
a set of parts working together
Example:The computer system crashed.
information (n.)
knowledge about something
Example:The teacher gave us information about the trip.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:Many people attended the concert.
countries (n.)
nations or states
Example:She has visited three countries.
names (n.)
words that identify a person or thing
Example:Write down the names of your classmates.
emails (n.)
electronic messages sent through the internet
Example:He sent an email to his friend.
use (v.)
to employ or put into action
Example:You can use this tool to edit photos.
exams (n.)
tests to check learning
Example:The exams will be next week.
share (v.)
to give part of something to others
Example:Please share your notes with the group.
paid (v.)
gave money for something
Example:She paid for the tickets with her card.
stop (v.)
to end or cease
Example:Please stop talking during the movie.
deleted (v.)
removed or erased
Example:I deleted the old files from my computer.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country
Example:The government announced new rules.
security (n.)
protection from danger
Example:Security at the airport was very strict.