Ep24. How to make cyber security accessible

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Captivate (or wherever you get your Podcasts!)

Download transcript here

Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins speaks with Aliyu Yisa, a cybersecurity professional and accessibility advocate. They discuss Ali’s journey from software engineering to focusing on accessible cybersecurity through his work with Pheasant and CyBlack. The conversation highlights the importance of making cybersecurity accessible to all, the challenges faced in the industry, and the legal implications of accessibility. Ali emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize accessibility in their cybersecurity practices and offers practical advice for getting started. The episode concludes with a call to action for organisations to consider the business benefits of accessibility and to partner with initiatives like Cyblack to support diversity in the cybersecurity field.

Takeaways

• Accessibility is crucial for effective cybersecurity t111177araining.
• Cybersecurity tools must be accessible to all users.
• Disability can affect anyone at any time, making accessibility essential.
• Organizations must prioritize accessibility in their cybersecurity practices.
• The purple pound represents significant economic power for people with disabilities.
• Legal requirements for accessibility are becoming stricter.
• Awareness and education about accessibility are key first steps for organizations.
• Accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• Partnerships with organizations like Cyblack can enhance diversity in cybersecurity.
• Making cybersecurity accessible can improve user experience and security compliance.

Sound Bites

• “Cybersecurity and accessibility are intertwined.”
• “Accessibility is not rocket science.”
• “Disability is not an us versus them thing.”
• “Accessibility is a basic human right.”
• “The purple pound is worth 250 billion pounds.”
• “Let’s make the web a better place for everyone.”

 

Want to dive deeper? Check out:

Aliyu Yisa at NCSC for Startups Showcase, December 2022 https://www.youtube.com/live/sIa-_PUn3AM?si=t6DB1L-DTXVCQCfT&t=1707

NCSC: Accessibility as a cyber security priority: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/accessibility-as-a-cyber-security-priority

Accessibility in Cyber at infosec.live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WQVRSQBXUQ

Accessibility in cybersecurity at Axe-Con, largest digital accessibility

conference online: https://www.deque.com/axe-con/presenters/aliyu-yisa/

Accessible and inclusive cyber security, a research paper by Dr Karen Renaud https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42979-022-01239-1

Fezzant Accessibility Scanner (free) – https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/fezzant-accessibility-sca/nngholkdjmoikkjbljnljddagnllmgbh

Inaccessible Bytes: Hurdles and Hopes for Accessible Cybersecurity Education by

Emily Kiehl https://medium.com/fezzant-accessibility-in-cyber-security/inaccessible-bytes-hurdles-and-hopes-for-accessible-cybersecurity-education-by-emily-kiehl-891f5ea6e2cb

 

Connect with Aliyu Yisa:

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/aligorithm

Fezzant website: https://fezzant.com

CyBlack: https://linkedin.com/company/cyblack

https://cyblack.org

The Cyber Helpline: https://thecyberhelpline.com