On May 7, 2026, a significant cyberattack impacted numerous major universities in the United States, including Harvard University and Stanford University, disrupting access to the Canvas learning platform. The attack was claimed by the cyber extortion group ShinyHunters, which has been active since 2019. Students reported being logged out of their accounts, causing panic, especially as many were preparing for final exams. While some students expressed frustration over losing access to critical study resources, others welcomed the disruption, believing it might lead to extended academic deadlines. Anish Garimidi, a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, noted his anxiety over the situation but expressed gratitude towards accommodating professors who provided materials through alternative means. The hacking group warned that they would release stolen data, including personal details and private messages, if universities did not negotiate by May 12. Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, confirmed the breach and stated that they were addressing the security issue while working with affected institutions.