Hi,
I’ve never seen another list such as this one devoted to security software from
a blindness perspective.
Microsoft’s Disability help desk phone number is:
Phone: 1-800-936-5900
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Weekends 6:00 AM -3:00 PM
Pacific Time
that taken from David’s list of disability related tech resources, giving
proper attribution where it should go (smile).
I don’t think I’d deal with any company offering security software from whom I
couldn’t speak to a representative should the need arise.
I’ve read that Microsoft’s Defender has gotten better over the years though as
often said people’s mileage may vary. For now that’s what I’m running with for
truthfully after this experience I’m a bit gun-shy to try something else which
involves me surrendering my money. I have always always always used paid
security software and probably will again I just haven’t decided which one will
be next.
Robin
From: Brenda
Sent: Saturday, April 1, 2017 11:47 PM
To: av-a11y@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [av-a11y] Re: av-a11y] Accessible security software options
Hi robin and List
I'm really saddened, but it doesn't surprise me that there's not a lot of
options for accessible security software out there and that no one seems to
care -- just look at what has happened to Window-Eyes (no updates in a long
time, and no news about its future).
I'm researching Sophos. One thing I have found so far is that you can't speak
with a human. I'm trying to find a way to email them to see if they will tell
me their philosophy and/or commitment to making their program accessible.
Perhaps they even have a contact hotline for disabled users.
speaking of phone help for disabled users, can you give me the link to the
Microsoft disability information?
I'm disappointed that there isn't more response in the blind community
regarding which security software can be accessed with any screen reader. Are
folks just using defender and hoping it does the job?
Can anyone reading this direct me to any other resources or lists for
determining accessible security software?
Thanks,
Brenda
On 4/1/2017 10:25 PM, Robin Frost wrote:
Hi,
As I said in response to Merv’s message I am one who did receive such a
communication from Kaspersky via twitter. And it boggles my brain that the
consumer organizations for the blind aren’t doing more to address this
seemingly gaping lack of accessibility either via their preferred method of
structured negotiations or other legal actions or at the very least resolutions
at their annual conventions to bring attention to the issue. But they do not in
fact consult me (laughs).
I’ll be anxious to read what people ultimately choose and why.
Speaking for myself I just couldn't justify having the supposed top line of
defense type of product if I couldn’t interact with it in any meaningful
fashion.
Robin
From: Brenda
Sent: Saturday, April 1, 2017 7:42 PM
To: av-a11y@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [av-a11y] Re: ESET
Hi Merve and List
I have heard that Esset is not accessible with Window-Eyes any more and I
imagine the situation is similar with Jaws.
Has anyone actually heard from Kaspersky directly that they will not be
making their security suite accessible to screen readers? When you say
"Several of us" who are you referring to? Is there another list where this is
being discussed?
I'm having a hard time finding a good security suite to use and at the end of
April my AVG will need to be updated, and the interface isn't accessible, and
the program is no longer rated
I have heard that Sophos is accessible, but not as good/protective as
Kaspersky.
Malware Bites isn't accessible with Window-Eyes, I can update and run it but
can't select the threats to delete them. How does Malware bites work with jaws
or nvda?
I use spybot, but get error messages on my win10 machine with Window-Eyes so
my husband runs it for me. Still, an accessible security suite would probably
be the best way to go.
There are a lot of blind screen reader users, but I find very little
information on accessible screen readers that are in the top 10.
I would appreciate any input, other list suggestions, security program
suggestions etc.
thanks,
brenda
win7 pc and win10 laptop
On 4/1/2017 7:28 PM, Merv Keck wrote:
Hi,
I am considering switching to a flavor of ESET now that Kaspersky has made
it known that they will not be supporting Screen readers in the future. In the
last two weeks their accessibility has diminished to the point that Kaspersky
Internet Security is no longer useful in windows 10. Several of us are being
forced to uninstall the 2017 Suite. Kaspersky has made it known that there are
no plans for accessibility in 2018.
Therefore, I am now considering one of the suites that ESET produces. Has
anyone used their latest suite. I prefer not to just use an antivirus program.
I do not like to mess around with Malware bytes when a Security suite can do
everything in house so to speak.
Thanks in advance,
Merv
