COGA (accessibility for people with cognitive disabilities) Issue Paper

Keeping Users Safe Online

Unfortunately, the internet is not a safe place. Examples of types of criminals active on the internet include:

• Con-artists, who misled people into giving them money.
• Hackers, who may steal identity, information, or money without the user being aware of what is happening.
• Sexual predators, who use the Internet to identify vulnerable people and exploit them.

Challenges for People with Cognitive Disabilities

People with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to all types of cyber crime.

Hackers. People with cognitive disabilities may not be able to cope with the additional security measures such as two steps authentication or keep passwords safe and unique.

Ironically extra security precautions such as increasing the requirements of password strength often make this group more vulnerable to "human error" and in fact, reduces their security, such as keeping a list of passwords on their desk, making them easily stole by "helpers" or people who come into their room. Another case may be where people ask a helper or friend for help them complete the security procedures, increasing the risk of abuse.

Con-artists. People with impaired reasoning, attention or memory may be more vulnerable to con-artists who trick people into trusting them. people who do not understand social cues may also be more vulnerable as they may find it harder to notice if something seems "out of place". Also at risk are people who are more likely to believe false information and will find it harder to validate facts.

Sexual predators. People with cognitive disabilities may be more at risk for being a victim of a sexual crime. This is more likely if:

• they are less likely to be aware of a fake identity or misleading information;
• they are dependent on care givers and family that they are afraid of disappointing - leaving them open to blackmail;
• they are more likely to believe false information and will find it harder to validate facts.

Proposed Solutions

When making content accessibility for people with cognitive disabilities extra care should be applied at the same time to keep then safe.

General: All user information must be kept safe, to the fullest extent possible. Any cues that this user is in a coga group (such as requesting simplified versions) should be protected information.

Hackers: Security should be strong AND easily used by coga groups such as a biometrics option. For a full discussion see the issue paper on security.

Sexual predators and con-artists.

• Site with chat option should prevent any exchange of personal information.
• Users should be regularly warned to avoid scams.
• Getting help and /or reporting something worrying should be extremely easy to do. Users should know they will never be penalized for reporting something.
• Users should find it easy to report to the cyber crime fighters in your jurisdiction.
• Provide easy to use videos and tips that explains about cyber criminals, how to stay safe, and how to report anything you find odd.
• Server side solutions can be employed for finding cyber-criminals - such as analytics.
• Adverts and paid articles should be vetted for reliability. They should be clearly marked as external content in an easy to understand way.
• Users should made aware when they are leaving your site or going to a less trust worthy site - including when following links from other users.

TO DO: find sources and consult with experts.