Overlays, Hacks and Headlines: The Real Cost of Fake Accessibility
Here’s something terrifying: 1 million websites were hacked — not through malware or phishing — but via a widely used accessibility overlay tool. The very software designed to make websites safer and more inclusive was the point of entry.
The attack targeted Israeli websites using a specific overlay tool, exposing a dangerous truth: overlay-based fixes are not secure, not compliant, and not inclusive. They’re smoke and mirrors — and the smoke just blew up in everyone’s face.
This isn’t just a tech problem. It’s a design problem. A leadership problem. And it’s a problem that’s about to become your problem if your business has users in the EU.
The European Accessibility Act becomes enforceable on 28 June 2025. If your website is not WCAG compliant, or if you’re relying on an overlay to tick a compliance box, your company could be exposed to fines, legal action and reputational damage.
At Access by Design, we build accessible websites from the ground up. Every site is designed to meet WCAG 2.2, tested by disabled people, and supported with a compliant Accessibility Statement that protects you under the law.
No overlays. No shortcuts. Just clean code, real inclusion, and peace of mind.
You wouldn’t lock your front door with chewing gum. Why would you secure your website with an overlay?
Book an appointment to start a proper conversation about accessible web design and genuine compliance.
