We repeatedly hear that human behavior is an essential element of any organization's security, arguably the most critical. Therefore, most training programs focus on putting people first. But do you think everyone can access and understand your training? 

Accessibility needs to be a fundamental part of your awareness program. Furthermore, your security strategy needs to permit accessible options. For the millions of people living with disabilities, inaccessible training and tools leave them vulnerable – which becomes a vulnerability for our organizations and society. To create a safer digital environment, we must ensure that cybersecurity training is accessible and inclusive. You can start making your training accessible today.  

Understand the unique needs of employees with disabilities 

Disabilities come in many forms, including physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments. These present distinct challenges when interacting with digital systems, particularly cybersecurity tools that often require fine motor skills, clear visual perception, or cognitive focus. For instance, a visually impaired person might struggle with CAPTCHA verification, while someone with a hearing impairment may miss critical audio alerts during security processes. 

Inaccessible protocols make it difficult for people with disabilities to complete basic cybersecurity tasks, increasing the risk of human error or insecure workarounds. Employees with disabilities are just as invested in maintaining security as their peers, but without accessible tools and training, they are often unintentionally excluded from these efforts. 

For example, if a person has a visual impairment, using facial recognition for multi-factor authentication on a smartphone would be difficult because they might be unable to match their face with the phone's camera.  

However, accessible training is a good practice even if you don't think anyone on your team requires accommodation. Consider the three following scenarios: 

• A coworker is deaf.

• A coworker is working at a noisy coffeeshop without headphones.

• A coworker has a hard time hearing because of an ear infection.  

If your training video doesn't have a transcript or closed captions, none of these coworkers can learn from it. By making accessibility a priority, you improve the reach of your program for everyone.

Common accessibility challenges in training and awareness programs

Traditional cybersecurity training methods frequently fall short of addressing the needs of employees with disabilities. If the effort isn't spent making them accessible, training materials such as video tutorials or interactive platforms might rely heavily on visual or auditory cues without offering alternative formats. People with visual impairments may struggle with videos lacking closed captions or alternative text. Those with mobility issues may find navigating training modules requiring precise mouse clicks challenging. 

Additionally, your training might emphasize speed and efficiency, which disadvantages people who require more time to process information or interact with digital tools. As a result, employees with disabilities may miss critical training details, leaving them underprepared for potential security threats. This puts them at risk and increases the organization's overall vulnerability. 

Creating accessible cybersecurity training is not just about compliance with regulations; it's about fostering an inclusive security culture that empowers all employees. Accessible training ensures everyone can fully engage with and adhere to security practices. 

When organizations prioritize accessibility, they create a more supportive environment where employees feel valued and capable of contributing to their workplace security. This inclusivity reduces the risk of errors, improves overall security compliance, and promotes a culture of trust and safety. Moreover, accessible training benefits all employees by offering easy-to-follow materials catering to various learning styles and preferences. 

One out of every four Americans lives with a significant disability, but we have a long way to go to make the internet accessible to everyone. A recent WebAIM survey found that 96% of website homepages failed to meet one or several international accessibility guidelines.  

So accessibility isn't just a goal for training – we must work to ensure all cybersecurity protocols are accessible to everyone, too.

Accessible and secure by design

Designing accessible cybersecurity solutions starts with understanding usability and people’s diverse needs. Accessibility doesn’t mean compromising on security; it means finding innovative ways to ensure that everyone can participate in keeping an organization secure. This includes design choices that account for visual, auditory, and cognitive differences. 

Some key strategies for accessible design include: 

• User-friendly interfaces: Implementing interfaces that are easy to navigate, with clear fonts, proper color contrast, and simple layouts that accommodate screen readers or other assistive technologies.

• Alternative formats: Providing alternative content formats, such as text descriptions for visual elements or captions for video content, ensures that people with different disabilities can access the same information.

• Flexible input methods: Offering options like keyboard navigation, voice commands, or biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) can cater to users who struggle with traditional methods like passwords or CAPTCHA. 

When accessibility is built into cybersecurity tools from the start, it not only benefits employees with disabilities but also improves the overall user experience.  

For example, state governments in the United States must adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. These guidelines provide specific criteria for digital content that is usable to all and are a good place for your organization to start.  

Involve your people in accessibility efforts

No one understands the accessibility needs of your team better than your employees. Engaging your team in the design, testing, and feedback processes leads to more effective and inclusive security solutions. Encouraging open dialogue allows organizations to identify specific accessibility barriers and develop tailored strategies that address them. 

Collaborating with accessibility experts and user experience designers will enhance these efforts. By working together, organizations can ensure that their security practices are robust yet adaptable to the diverse needs of their workforce. 

In cases where security policies may conflict with accessibility needs, such as strict password policies that are difficult for some users to manage, flexibility is vital. Explore alternative methods that meet security requirements while accommodating employees’ needs – there's more than one way to MFA, for instance. A culture of collaboration empowers employees to maintain security without compromising their ability to perform their roles effectively.