Rapid Fire
CAPTCHA
- 14 Apr 2025
- 2 min read
CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) is a challenge-response test used to distinguish bots from human users, enhancing online security and protecting user data.
- Bots are automated software programs that perform repetitive online tasks.
- CAPTCHA:
- Origin: Developed in the early 2000s by Luis von Ahn to block bots, CAPTCHA began with distorted text (2003), evolved into reCAPTCHA (2009) using scanned book words, and later to Invisible reCAPTCHA (2014) by Google using behavioural analysis. Modern versions use image recognition, checkboxes, and interaction tracking.
- Advantages: It blocks bots preventing fake accounts, spam, and data theft, ensuring only human users access digital platforms.
- Applications: CAPTCHA is used in logins, registrations, transactions, comments, account recovery, and surveys to block bots and verify users. reCAPTCHA also aids in book digitisation.
- Disadvantages: It can hinder accessibility for disabled users, can be tedious for mobile users and be bypassed by advanced bots, impacting user experience.
- Other Cybersecurity Measures: Other measures include Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), adding a second verification layer via device codes, biometric verification using fingerprints or facial recognition, honeypots to trap bots; and behavioral biometrics that track typing or swipe patterns to distinguish humans from bots.
| Read More: Emerging Cyber Threats and Their Implications |
