When Cybersecurity Meets Accessibility: A Holistic Development Architecture for Inclusive Cyber-Secure Web Applications and Websites

In today’s technology-centric era, digital transformation has made accessibility and cybersecurity critical components for developing inclusive web applications that are essential in daily operations. However, current development models often treat accessibility and cybersecurity separately, leading to solutions that may excel in one area while lacking in the other. This paper addresses this gap by proposing the Holistic Security and Accessibility Layered Architecture (HSALA), a novel architectural model that integrates accessibility and cybersecurity throughout the development process. HSALA consists of five interconnected layers, each paired with a corresponding security layer, ensuring that both accessibility and security are embedded at every level. We conduct a theoretical and analytical case study comparing HSALA with the traditional three-layered architecture, demonstrating HSALA’s superiority in addressing contemporary challenges related to accessibility, cybersecurity, scalability, and user experience. The findings indicate that HSALA provides a robust framework for developing secure and inclusive web applications, promoting a more equitable digital ecosystem. We outline a roadmap for future work, including empirical validation and practical implementation strategies. HSALA represents a significant advancement in web application development, fostering inclusivity and trust in an increasingly digital society.