Enhance Accessibility in Cybersecurity Products: It’s Your Competitive Advantage
Aug 31, 2023
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Discover the importance of accessibility in cybersecurity products for all users. Learn about the impact of integrating accessibility into security tools. Gain insights from Justin Merhoff, Director of Security at Deque Systems, Inc. Explore the need for open dialogue and awareness to drive change. Understand the importance of aligning security tools with accessibility guidelines and standards. Hear about the personal journey of a cybersecurity professional and their passion for accessibility.
Integrating accessibility into security products improves usability, inclusivity, and security for all users.
Companies prioritizing accessibility in security gain a competitive advantage and build a loyal customer base.
Deep dives
The Importance of Accessibility in the Security Industry
Justin Merhoff, a cybersecurity professional, discusses the significance of accessibility in the security industry. He shares his passion for impacting the field and improving accessibility to help individuals with disabilities. Justin highlights the lack of awareness and accessibility options in current security tooling and emphasizes the need for accessible security training. He suggests that companies should make their tools accessible and collaborate with educational institutions to ensure accessible training and solutions. Justin encourages stakeholders in the industry to be open to new technologies and requirements, promote accessibility by design, and consider the impact of inaccessibility on security and potential breaches. He also expresses the importance of empathy when engaging with sales and marketing professionals, fostering a supportive and understanding environment for all stakeholders.
Challenges and Solutions for Breaking Into the Industry
Justin addresses the challenges faced by individuals trying to break into the cybersecurity industry, particularly those with disabilities. He emphasizes the need for awareness, accessible tooling, and inclusive training. Justin proposes a solution where companies make their tooling accessible, allowing educational institutions to incorporate accessibility requirements. By doing so, individuals will have more options and potential breaches due to inaccessibility will be reduced. He highlights the importance of creating connections and collaborations to drive change and provide opportunities for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Qualifiers for Evaluating Security Tools
Justin discusses the qualifiers he considers when evaluating security tools and solutions. He mentions the importance of obtaining a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) from vendors to ensure accessibility compliance. Justin also emphasizes the significance of using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as a reference for accessibility standards. He provides an example of the challenges faced by screen reader users and highlights the need for accessible design and development. By following accessibility guidelines and utilizing accessible tools, organizations can ensure their products align with accessibility goals and standards.
Positive Vendor Experiences and the Impact of Simple Gestures
Justin shares a positive experience with a vendor, Traceless.io, who sent him a Frisbee along with stickers for his cup. He explains how this small gesture brought him closer to his son and led to regular Frisbee activities, creating a memorable bonding experience. Justin highlights the significance of these simple tokens and the positive impact they can have on building relationships and delivering a positive customer experience.
Inaccessible security tools and solutions pose security risks and hinder individuals with disabilities from accessing and using them effectively.
Integrating accessibility into security products and services can improve usability, inclusivity, and security for all users.
Companies that prioritize accessibility in their security offerings can gain a competitive advantage and build a loyal customer base.
Brutally honest insights from Justin Merhoff, Director of Security at Deque Systems, Inc, a web accessibility software and services company.
In this episode of Audience 1st Podcast I JUST DROPPED, Justin and I explore his personal journey of becoming a cybersecurity professional and how he discovered the need for accessibility in security tools and solutions.
Some key insights from the episode are:
Justin believes in the importance of accessibility in cybersecurity. He highlights the need for security tools to be accessible for screen reader users and the impact it has on security awareness training.
Stakeholders in the cybersecurity industry have varying reactions to the intertwining of accessibility and security. While some understand the importance, others need to see it from a different angle. Justin encourages open dialogue and awareness to drive change.
When evaluating security tools, Justin ensures they align with accessibility guidelines and standards. He mentions the importance of Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) and adherence to WCAG guidelines.
Justin reflects on the need for empathy and feedback in the industry. He shares his own journey of becoming more empathetic towards BDRs and emphasizes the importance of keeping security vendors on their toes.
Justin shares an experience with Traceless.io, a vendor that handled a misunderstanding well. They sent him a frisbee, which became a bonding activity with his son. He emphasizes the impact of small gestures in building positive relationships.
Justin's insights highlight the need for accessibility in cybersecurity and the importance of inclusion. He calls for global collaboration and opportunities for talent from overlooked regions like Africa.
Such critical insights unraveled in less than 38 minutes.
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