Paper Publications

Developing Accessible and Usable Security (ACCUS) Heuristics

Extended Abstract Presentation

Usable security and web accessibility are often treated as separate issues. Existing research does not adequately address how users with vision loss secure their online experiences.

We created heuristics that merge both fields and evaluated ten websites, uncovering multiple issues that prevent users from following standard security advice.

Downloads: 362

Citations: 24

Exploring User Perspectives on Data Collection, Data Sharing Preferences, and Privacy Concerns with Remote Healthcare Technology

Full-paper Presentation

Remote healthcare technology enhances access to quality care and improves diagnoses through continuous monitoring.

We surveyed 384 people in Canada aged 20 to 93 years old to explore participants’ comfort with data collection, sharing preferences, and potential privacy concerns related to remote healthcare technology. We explore these topics within the context of various healthcare scenarios including health emergencies and managing chronic health conditions.

Downloads: 177

Citations: 1

Helpful but Terrifying: Older Adults’ Perspectives of AI in Remote Healthcare Technology

Poster Presentation

Canada is prioritizing digital healthcare solutions to help address staffing shortages, access inequities, and the needs of an aging population where remote healthcare can be critical for sustaining specialized and home care services.

We interviewed 21 Canadians aged 65 to 87 with chronic health conditions about remote healthcare technology. They were interested in AI features but had concerns about safety and privacy. While they recognized that AI integration is inevitable, they felt powerless to avoid AI-driven solutions when seeking care.

Downloads: 218

Citations: 0

"I'm Literally Just Hoping This Will Work:'' Obstacles Blocking the Online Security and Privacy of Users with Visual Disabilities

Full-paper Presentation

To manage security and privacy threats effectively, users need to perceive relevant information. However, accessibility barriers prevent users with visual disabilities from accessing this information, which can lead to misinterpretations of their security and privacy.

We studied how these users protect their online security by observing their interactions with Gmail, Amazon, and a phishing site mimicking CNIB, a well-known organization. We also conducted semi-structured interviews to understand their real-world concerns.

Our analysis identified serious usability issues that caused risky behaviors or compromises between accessibility and security, particularly when accessibility software like JAWS hindered risk identification. We outlined four states of security and privacy experienced during sensitive tasks and provided design recommendations to improve communication of security information for users with visual disabilities.

Downloads: N/A

Citations: 29

Something Doesn’t Feel Right: Using Thermal Warnings to Improve User Security Awareness

Extended Abstract Presentation

Embodied cognition posits that understanding is closely linked to the environment and physical senses. We explored a new method to enhance security awareness through thermal notifications.

In this paper, we present our system, NoViz-Thermal, and evaluate its effectiveness in communicating TLS certificate security. We identified accessibility and usability issues but believe that thermal stimulation can boost users' confidence in making security assessments. Additionally, thermal warnings may address the limitations of visual alerts and the challenges posed by display-less IoT technology.

Downloads: N/A

Citations: 4