CAN-ASC-6.6 – Accessible Cybersecurity
Information
Table of contents
Technical committee members
- Nancy McLaughlin, Senior Policy Advisor on Accessibility, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
- John Willis, Senior Program Advisor, OPS Accessibility Office, Centre of Excellence for Human Rights.
- Jutta Treviranus (Chairperson), Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre and Professor, OCAD University
- Alison Paprica, Professor (adjunct) and senior fellow, Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
- Gary Birch, Executive Director, Neil Squire Society
- Lisa Liskovoi, Senior Inclusive Designer and Digital Accessibility Specialist, Inclusive Design Research Centre, OCAD University
- Clayton Lewis, Professor, University of Colorado
- Julia Stoyanovich, Associate Professor and Director, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University
- Anne Jackson, Professor, Seneca College
- Kave Noori, Artificial Intelligence Policy Officer, European Disability Forum
- Mia Ahlgren, Human Rights and Disability Policy Officer, Swedish Disability Rights Federation
- Sambhavi Chandrashekar (Vice-Chairperson), Global Accessibility Lead, D2L Corporation
- Julianna Rowsell, Senior Product Manager, Product Equity, Adobe
- Kate Kalcevich, Head of Accessibility Innovation, Fable
- Saeid Molladavoudi, Senior Data Science Advisor, Statistics Canada
- Merve Hickok, Founder, President and Research Director, Alethicist.org, Center for AI and Digital Policy, University of Michigan
Areas of Focus
The purpose of CAN-ASC - 6.6 is to develop a standard that goes above mandatory minimum technical specifications and produces equity-based technical requirements.
There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in cybersecurity and digital environments. These areas include, but are not limited to:
- Identity management and authentication, such as login processes, multi-factor authentication, password requirements, and account recovery mechanisms
- Information and communication technologies, such as cybersecurity tools, software, applications, and systems used to conduct digital transactions
- Communication (other than information and communication technologies), such as ensuring any training materials are accessible, voice-only support lines, and complex simulations
To address these barriers, this standard will supplement and enhance general cybersecurity standards. It will also provide specialized guidance on creating secure technologies and systems for people with disabilities.
The standard will then establish technical requirements to support cybersecurity, including but not limited to:
- Accessible identity management and authentication
- Accessible cybersecurity information systems and supports
- Interoperability of alternative access technology and cybersecurity measures
- Recovery support from security breaches
This standard will align with all relevant Accessibility Standards Canada standards.