DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14483/23448350.24611Published:
04/30/2026Issue:
Vol. 53 No. 1 (2026): Vol. 53 No. 1(2026): January-April 2026Section:
Research ArticlesAccessible Authentication Mechanisms in Web and Mobile Systems for People with Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review
Mecanismos de autenticación accesibles en sistemas web y móviles para personas con discapacidad: una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Keywords:
authentication, accessible authentication, accessibility, disability, web systems, mobile applications, assistive technology (en).Keywords:
autenticación, autenticación accesible, accesibilidad, discapacidad, sistemas web, aplicaciones móviles, tecnología de asistencia (es).Downloads
Abstract (en)
In the digital age, authentication is essential for accessing the web and mobile platforms, yet many mechanisms still overlook the accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities. In this work, a systematic literature review was conducted, considering studies published between 2014 and the first quarter of 2025. To this effect, the Kitchenham guidelines were followed. An automated search strategy was implemented to identify relevant studies addressing authentication mechanisms, accessibility, and disability. The data extraction process was systematically guided by six research questions. The findings were synthesized through a narrative approach in order to facilitate their organization and interpretation. A total of 50 studies was selected, addressing diverse authentication methods, accessibility considerations, disability types, and system contexts (web and mobile). The literature shows a predominant focus on visual impairments and usability aspects, while other types of disability remain underrepresented. Passwords and PINs continue to be the most widely used mechanisms, although there is a growing adoption of biometric alternatives. The limitations are mainly related to user capabilities, system design, and process complexity. These results highlight the need to design and evaluate more inclusive authentication solutions, ensuring accessibility validation with representative user groups.
Abstract (es)
En la era digital, la autenticación es esencial para acceder a la web y a las plataformas móviles. Sin embargo, muchos mecanismos aún pasan por alto los desafíos de accesibilidad que enfrentan las personas con discapacidad. En este trabajo se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, considerando estudios publicados entre 2014 y el primer trimestre de 2025. Para ello, se siguieron las directrices de Kitchenham. Se implementó una estrategia de búsqueda automatizada para identificar estudios relevantes que abordan mecanismos de autenticación, accesibilidad y discapacidad. El proceso de extracción de datos fue guiado de manera sistemática por seis preguntas de investigación. Los hallazgos se sintetizaron mediante un enfoque narrativo para facilitar su organización e interpretación. Se seleccionó un total de 50 estudios, que abordan diversos métodos de autenticación, consideraciones de accesibilidad, tipos de discapacidad y contextos de sistema (web y móvil). La literatura muestra un enfoque predominante en las discapacidades visuales y en aspectos de usabilidad, mientras que otros tipos de discapacidad permanecen subrepresentados. Las contraseñas y los PIN continúan siendo los mecanismos más utilizados, aunque se observa una adopción creciente de alternativas biométricas. Las limitaciones se relacionan principalmente con las capacidades de los usuarios, el diseño del sistema y la complejidad de los procesos. Estos resultados ponen de relieve la necesidad de diseñar y evaluar soluciones de autenticación más inclusivas, garantizando la validación de la accesibilidad con grupos de usuarios representativos.
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Copyright (c) 2026 César González-López, Pablo Hernán De La Cruz-Moreno, Juan Carlos Pérez-Arriaga, Ángel J. Sánchez-García
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