You may have heard that AUT has shared information about a potential data incident affecting Canvas, the learning management system that AUT (and many other universities around the world) uses.
We know things like this can feel unsettling. AUT is leading the response, and they will share updates directly with students and staff as more is confirmed. The information below comes from AUT's own communications — please look there for the most current update.
What AUT has said
- The data that may have been impacted includes names, email addresses, student ID numbers, and user messages within Canvas.
- AUT has stated that birthdates, passwords, government identifiers, and financial information are not believed to be impacted.
- AUT's ICT team is working with the vendor (Instructure) and will share guidance directly if any action is needed from you.
How AUTSA can support you
AUTSA is a separate organisation from AUT, and your AUTSA membership and Hub account are not part of this incident. What we can help with is the impact this might have on you as a student:
- Worried, anxious, or unsure what it means for you? Our Student Advocacy team can talk it through with you and help you understand what AUT is sharing.
- Studies affected by the Canvas outage? If disruption to Canvas affects an assessment, an extension, or your ability to keep up, advocacy can help you raise that with your faculty.
- Feeling overwhelmed? AUT counselling and wellbeing services are available, and we can help you connect with them.
Stay safe online
Whenever something like this is in the news, scam emails and texts tend to follow — messages that look like they're from Canvas, AUT, or your bank, asking you to click a link or enter details. A few simple habits help:
- Don't click links in emails about your AUT account. Go directly to canvas.aut.ac.nz or AUT's student portal yourself.
- If something feels off, it usually is. Take a moment before clicking or replying.
- If you're unsure whether a message is genuine, you can forward it to AUT's ICT team or talk to us first.
Get in touch
You don't have to navigate this alone. Reach out to us at advocacy@autsa.org.nz, start a case with our Student Advocacy team, or visit us on any campus.
For the official position from AUT, please refer to communications from AUT directly — we won't repeat anything that isn't already in their public statements.