A Canvas outage tied to a cyberattack has wreaked havoc on colleges' final exam season
Schools and universities across the country are recovering from an outage tied to a cyberattack that knocked down Canvas. The online platform manages exams, course notes, lecture videos and grades. The disruption hit in the middle of finals period for many colleges, a high-stress time when students and instructors rely heavily on the platform. Instructure is the parent company of Canvas and says the platform is available again to most users as of late Thursday. A threat analyst at the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft says the hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the breach.
Canvas system is online after a cyberattack disrupted thousands of schools
A key online learning system used by thousands of schools and universities is back after a cyberattack knocked it offline, creating chaos as students tried to study for finals. A cybersecurity threat analyst says a hacking group called ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for breaching Canvas. Instructure, the company behind Canvas, said late Thursday that the system was available for most users. An expert says the hackers posted online that nearly 9,000 schools worldwide were affected, with billions of private messages and other records accessed. Teachers had to find workarounds to help students study for exams and submit final assignments, and some schools pushed back finals.
UCLA online textbook gives voice to Asian American, Pacific Islander history and cultures
A new digital textbook from UCLA aims to change stereotypes about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by teaching their history. Launching Saturday, the $12 million project called “Foundations and Futures” is designed for high school and college educators. It covers a wide range of AAPI communities and historical struggles. The textbook, developed by 100 contributors, includes chapters on Vietnamese, Hmong, and Indigenous Hawaiians, among others. It debuts amid political challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Despite potential resistance, the creators hope it will foster understanding and empathy by highlighting underrepresented stories.
One Tech Tip: Why digital devices and online accounts need spring cleaning
Spring cleaning isn't just for homes. Carrying out the digital equivalent can help protect your personal data, according to cybersecurity experts. They say clearing out digital clutter like dormant accounts and forgotten files gives scammers fewer potential entry points. Start by deleting old photos and attachments to free up storage space. Cull your email by sorting your inbox by size, sender or date, and deleting the largest messages and big batches from prolific senders. Unsubscribe from unread newsletters and mailing lists. Free up more space by deleting unused apps, and make sure the apps you’re keeping are the latest versions. Experts also suggest reviewing your privacy settings. Upgrade to passkeys when possible for better protection.
Google settles racial discrimination lawsuit for $50 million
Google has reached a settlement with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair treatment for its Black workers. The suit claimed the company steered them into lower-level and lower-paid jobs and subjected them to a hostile work environment if they speak out. Other former Google workers also joined the suit, which later received class action status.
Bolivia’s fuel shortages and 'junk gasoline' drive a surge in electric cars
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — A small but growing number of Bolivians are trading their fossil fuel-powered vehicles for electric ones. This comes as fuel costs in Bolivia have doubled after subsidies ended under President Rodrigo Paz. The country has faced fuel shortages with long lines at gas stations and complaints about poor quality gasoline. Electric vehicle numbers have surged from 500 to 3,352 in five years. They are mostly imported from China. Experts predict this trend will continue and will create new opportunities for electricians and mechanics.
Worries about AI's risks to humanity loom over the trial pitting Musk against OpenAI's leaders
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Questions about the dangers of artificial intelligence have been looming over the trial pitting Elon Musk against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The trial in Oakland, California, centers on Musk's accusation that his fellow OpenAI co-founder betrayed promises to keep the company a nonprofit. The judge has warned lawyers not to get “sidetracked” by questions about AI threats, but witness testimony has touched on concerns around workforce disruptions and the prospect raised by Musk that superhuman AI might one day kill us all. Musk has since started his own AI company, and both he and Altman argue they are working for humanity's benefit.
Tech is turning increasingly to religion in a quest to create ethical AI
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tech companies are increasingly seeking guidance from faith leaders to shape artificial intelligence. Last week, the inaugural “Faith-AI Covenant” roundtable took place in New York, organized by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities. The goal is to create a set of norms informed by various faiths. Baroness Joanna Shields, a key partner, emphasized the importance of this dialogue. However, some critics argue this approach may distract from broader AI issues. While companies like Anthropic actively engage with faith leaders, skeptics question the sincerity and effectiveness of these efforts in addressing AI ethics.
From Taylor Swift to the Oscars, 400-year-old 'Hamlet' flourishes in the age of TikTok
NEW YORK (AP) — William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” is having a resurgence with various adaptations and performances worldwide. A National Theatre production is at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a movie version set in London’s South Asian community stars Riz Ahmed. Anthony Hopkins is delighting fans on TikTok with some of Hamlet’s soliloquy. Eddie Izzard is taking her one-person production of “Hamlet” on a worldwide tour. Harvard scholar Jeffrey R. Wilson says “Hamlet” resonates today as it allows audiences to explore deep emotions and process angst. Director Chela De Ferrari's neurodiverse “Hamlet” highlights the play's timeless relevance.
French prosecutors seek charges against Elon Musk and X over child sexual abuse images
French prosecutors are seeking charges against Elon Musk and X for child sexual images on the platform, deepfakes, disinformation and complicity in denying crimes against humanity by Grok. The Paris public prosecutor’s office said Wednesday it has opened an investigation into X on charges including complicity in possessing and distributing child sexual abuse images, unlawfully collecting personal data and without ensuring data security. Other potential charges include disseminating non-consensual images or other content and denial of crimes against humanity by the platform’s AI system, Grok.
