How Mimecast is bridging the gap between accessibility and cybersecurity

Advancing accessibility and maintaining robust cybersecurity may not seem like an obvious pairing, but these two concepts are deeply intertwined. At Mimecast, we believe accessibility is not just an ethical consideration but a cybersecurity necessity. By designing inclusive systems, individuals and organizations are both protected from potential security breaches that arise from inaccessible systems. 

Here's how accessibility enhances cybersecurity and how Mimecast is addressing these challenges head-on.

Poor accessibility doesn't just affect individuals with disabilities; it creates usability issues for everyone. For example, overly complex login processes, inaccessible training materials, or poorly labeled interface elements increase the likelihood of errors, shared passwords, and security oversights. This means that accessibility issues often translate into organizational vulnerabilities, elevating the risk of phishing, data breaches, or unauthorized access.

Disproportionate impact on people with disabilities

An estimated 22% of working age adults are disabled, with 4.9 million disabled people in the workforce. Of these, many face unique cybersecurity challenges, such as:

• Difficulty identifying phishing attempts due to inaccessible designs or missing context, such as unreadable email headers or lack of clear logos.
• Barriers to security awareness training, where videos lack captions or alternative instruction formats.
• Exclusion from protective measures if additional security features, like CAPTCHAs or multifactor authentication (MFA), aren’t accessible.

When organizations fail to address these issues, individuals are not only excluded but also left more vulnerable to fraud and harassment.

How accessibility can mitigate cybersecurity risks

Addressing accessibility fosters usability, which inherently boosts cybersecurity. By adopting these practices, organizations can create systems that are easier to use and more secure for all employees — not just those with disabilities. Here are practical examples of how inclusive design resolves common security risks:

1. Accessible authentication