Seek and Locate? Examining the Accessibility of Cybersecurity Features

The ability to use technology has become a necessity for everyone, including users with disabilities, who may encounter additional challenges. Security is one of the significant requirements that many users expect when using digital technology, hence, issues of accessibility and usability are important when considering security. Disabled users need to be provided with the same level of security functionality in an accessible and usable manner. The main aim of this study is to identify the impact of accessibility, usability, and security for users with various types of disability. This study focuses on an in-depth understanding of the nature of disabled users and assessing their interactions with technology in security and non-security contexts. An initial assessment of accessibility features in common operating systems and security features for one of them (Windows) illustrates the current situation for the devices’ facilities in practice for disabled users. It then moves on to assess the user experience issues by assessing the accessibility and usability through a series of security seniors. While usability and accessibility features are certainly not new, the specific case of security features appears sub-par. This might assist in ensuring that individuals with a disability are secured, and their privacy and personal information are properly protected. Researchers and technology developers need to keep taking accessible security features into consideration for those with disabilities.