Canvas Company Makes Deal with Hackers

May 13, 2026, 20:49
AustraliaTechnology

Introduction

Instructure is the company that runs Canvas. They made a deal with a group of hackers called ShinyHunters. The hackers stole data from 275 million people.

Main Body

The hackers stole names, emails, and messages. They used a weak part of the system to get inside. The company says passwords and money information are safe. Instructure says the hackers gave the data back. But some experts think the company paid the hackers a lot of money. These experts say paying hackers is a bad idea. Now, the US government is asking the company many questions. Some people are also suing the company in court. Australia says companies should not pay hackers.

Conclusion

Canvas is working again. But users must be careful. Hackers might try to trick them with fake emails.

Learning

⚡ THE 'ACTION' PATTERN

In this story, we see how to describe people doing things to others. This is a key part of A2 English: Who →\rightarrow Did what →\rightarrow To whom.

1. The Simple Flow Look at these examples from the text:

  • Hackers →\rightarrow stole →\rightarrow data
  • Company →\rightarrow paid →\rightarrow hackers
  • Government →\rightarrow is asking →\rightarrow questions

2. Word Swap (The 'Money' Words) Notice how the text talks about value. You can use these basic patterns to build your own sentences:

  • Paid (gave money for something) →\rightarrow The company paid the hackers.
  • Safe (no danger) →\rightarrow Money information is safe.

3. Warning Words When something is dangerous, we use these simple A2 words found in the text:

  • Weak (not strong) →\rightarrow A weak part of the system.
  • Fake (not real) →\rightarrow Fake emails.
  • Careful (be alert) →\rightarrow Users must be careful.

Vocabulary Learning

company (n.)
An organization that sells goods or services.
Example:She works for a small company that makes toys.
deal (n.)
An agreement between two parties.
Example:They made a deal to share the profits.
hackers (n.)
People who break into computer systems.
Example:Hackers stole the company's secret files.
data (n.)
Information that can be stored or processed.
Example:The company protects its data from theft.
names (n.)
The words used to identify people.
Example:She wrote down the names of her friends.
emails (n.)
Messages sent by electronic mail.
Example:He checked his emails every morning.
messages (n.)
Communications sent from one person to another.
Example:She sent a message to her teacher.
system (n.)
A set of connected parts that work together.
Example:The computer system is very fast.
inside (prep.)
Within the interior of something.
Example:He looked inside the box.
passwords (n.)
Secret words that let you enter a computer.
Example:She forgot her passwords and had to reset them.
money (n.)
Currency used to buy goods or services.
Example:He saved his money for a vacation.
information (n.)
Facts or knowledge about something.
Example:The book provides useful information.
safe (adj.)
Not dangerous; protected.
Example:The bank keeps money safe.
experts (n.)
People who know a lot about something.
Example:Experts say the plan will work.
bad (adj.)
Not good; harmful.
Example:It was a bad idea to ignore the warning.
idea (n.)
A thought or plan.
Example:She had a good idea for the project.
government (n.)
The group that runs a country.
Example:The government announced new rules.
questions (n.)
Things you ask to get information.
Example:He answered all the questions.
people (n.)
Human beings.
Example:People enjoy outdoor activities.
court (n.)
A place where legal cases are heard.
Example:The case went to court.