Dear NCPS Community,
I am writing to inform you of a cybersecurity incident involving Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, a learning management system utilized by Northampton County Public Schools, Eastern Shore Community College (for Dual Enrollment coursework), and the Virginia Department of Education (for Virtual Virginia and as the VDOE Professional Development platform).
According to information provided by Instructure, the company recently experienced a criminal cybersecurity incident that appears to have been contained. At this time, Instructure has indicated that the data potentially involved may include names, email addresses, student ID numbers, and messages exchanged among Canvas users.
Importantly, Instructure has stated that there is currently no evidence that passwords, dates of birth, government identification numbers, or financial information were compromised.
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and remain in communication regarding any additional information or recommended next steps. As updates become available, we will share relevant information with our families and staff.
While there is no current indication that our division systems have been compromised, NCPS has blocked all access to the Canvas LMS through our network at this time. I encourage all students, staff, and families to remain cautious when receiving emails or messages referencing classes, assignments, student accounts, student ID numbers, or Canvas communications. Until this issue is resolved, we ask that you do not log into Canvas. Additionally, please avoid clicking suspicious links, forwarding unknown or questionable emails, opening unexpected attachments, or providing login credentials in response to unsolicited messages.
If you receive communication that appears suspicious, or if you have questions or concerns, please contact Mr. A.J. Ward, the Director of Technology for Northampton County Public Schools, at ajward@ncpsk12.com before responding. In keeping with our Technology Safety protocols, should you receive a questionable email, please do not click on any links, share any information, or forward emails to others.
Thank you for your continued partnership, patience, and support as we work to ensure the safety and security of our students’ and staff’s information.
Sincerely,
Lisa L. Martin, Ph. D
Superintendent
Northampton County Public Schools