Deleted file is still accessible via link

[muneeb_mobashar]

We have an issue with a former student who, when searched by name in google shows a result that is a file in our Canvas instance. When you click the result it downloads a file with sensitive information (from original course). The file had been deleted in Canvas and i am wondering why its still accessible and why it appears in a Google search result even though the course is not public. As an admin when I paste the direct link to the file it is also accessible even though it is clearly deleted from the files area.

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @muneeb_mobashar,

There are a lot of variables that could come in to play here.  What were the file's visibility settings, how was it deleted, it that file available in other courses, what are the course visibility settings, and possibly more.  Because this is a very complex issue, I think you'd be best to contact Canvas support through whatever means your school/institution has available so the specifics can be looked at so you'd get an accurate answer.  The Canvas community is made up of Canvas users from around the world, and while we can help with a lot of questions, we do not have access to your particular Canvas environment, account, or courses, which is why it's hard for us to give exact answers for these complex questions.

Hope this helps.

-Chris