Accessible Authentication Mechanisms in Web and Mobile Systems for People with Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review

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.