Investigating Phishing Threats in the Email Browsing Experience of Visually Impaired Individuals

Phishing, a prevalent cyber threat, persists despite email platform security measures. Visual cues are vital for users to identify phishing, but visually impaired individuals (PVIs) face challenges due to reliance on screen readers. We conduct a qualitative task-based study (n=11) in a Pakistani context, analyzing the interaction of PVIs with phishing emails that target their unique vulnerabilities. Our thematic analysis reveals PVI navigation patterns, highlights challenges in detecting phishing, and provides recommendations for stakeholders.