What Is CAPTCHA? How CAPTCHA Tests Work

As technology advances, botnets and spam become more prevalent online. This means websites have had to come up with a way to discern between real and spam traffic. One of the most common ways is through the CAPTCHA test, meaning Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. In this article, learn exactly what these tests are, the advantages and disadvantages of the test for site owners, and how to bypass the test as a legitimate user.

What is CAPTCHA?

CAPTCHA, meaning Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart, is a type of challenge-response test used to determine whether or not the user is a human or a machine.

Conceptually, the test was originally created as a way to protect webpages and online accounts from automated spam and bots. They are commonly used on websites that require user input, like online forms, registration pages, and login portals.

They typically take the form of a distorted image or a series of letters and numbers that users must enter correctly to prove their humanity. The distortion makes it difficult for automated scripts and bots to bypass the security measures and access the website. Therefore, it limits the number of bots that get through.

CAPTCHAs are used for a variety of purposes, including preventing spam comments on blogs, blocking automated registrations on websites, and protecting online polls from fraud. Some companies also use them for security purposes in financial transactions, such as online banking and e-commerce.

How does CAPTCHA work?

CAPTCHA works by presenting a user with a test designed to be easy for a human to complete, but difficult for a machine or automated script. The basic principle is that humans can recognize patterns and solve problems in a way that current computer algorithms can't.

When a user visits a website that uses CAPTCHA, they are presented with a test that they must complete before they can access the website's features. As mentioned above, these tests are often made up of a distorted image or series of images. They require the user to enter the correct numbers or choose the right image.

An example of a CAPTCHA image test; users must identify all images with stairs.

When the user enters the correct answer, the website's server confirms that the user is human and allows them access. If the user enters an incorrect answer, the server assumes that the user is a machine or automated script and denies access.

In addition, there are other forms of the test. They use different methods to determine whether a user is human or not. For example, some versions use advanced risk analysis techniques to determine whether a user is likely to be human based on their browsing habits, IP address, and other factors. Others use biometric authentication methods, such as facial recognition or fingerprints, to confirm the user's identity.

History of CAPTCHA

The concept of CAPTCHA was first introduced in 2000 by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, specifically Luis von Ahn, Manuel Blum, Nicholas J. Hopper, and John Langford. They developed the first version of the CAPTCHA test, called the "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart," as a way to protect websites from automated spam and bots. However, the test is named after Alan Turing. He was the first to come up with the concept of such a test in 1950.

The first CAPTCHAs were simple tests that asked users to enter a series of letters and numbers that were distorted in some way, making it hard for automated scripts to read them. These early tests were effective in blocking many automated bots, but they were also relatively easy for humans to solve.

Over time, CAPTCHAs have evolved to become more complex and harder for bots to bypass. This includes the use of more distorted images, the addition of multi-step tests, and the use of audio CAPTCHAs for users with visual impairments.

In 2009, Google introduced reCAPTCHA, which uses a combination of distorted images and text. In addition, Google introduced "no CAPTCHA reCAPTCHA" mode. It uses advanced risk analysis techniques to determine whether a user is human or not. Google's reCAPTCHA is essentially a combination version of all previous methods of CAPTCHA, intended to block as many bots or spammers as possible.

However, as the use of Google CAPTCHAs has grown, so too have efforts to bypass them. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see new and more effective ways of protecting websites from unwanted automated traffic.

Types of CAPTCHA

Several different types of CAPTCHA tests are commonly used to differentiate between human users and bots. These include:

  • Text CAPTCHAs. These are the most common type of CAPTCHA, meaning you've probably faced this type of test before. They involve a series of distorted letters and numbers that a user has to enter correctly to prove their humanity.
  • Image-based CAPTCHAs. These rely on a user's image recognition. They involve showing a distorted CAPTCHA image and asking the user to pick out a specific element, like a certain object or a series of letters hidden within the image.
  • Audio CAPTCHAs. Primarily designed for users with visual impairments, these tests involve a series of letters or numbers spoken out loud that the user needs to enter correctly.
  • Math-based CAPTCHAs. These display a math equation for the user to solve correctly.
  • Biometric CAPTCHAs. These tests are more advanced. They rely on a user's physical characteristics - like fingerprints, face, or voice - to confirm the user is legitimate.

Each type of test has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right one depends on the specific needs of the website and the audience it serves. For example, text-based CAPTCHAs may not be accessible to users with visual impairments, while image-based CAPTCHAs can be difficult for users with cognitive disabilities.

Advantages and disadvantages

As far as security measures go, many webmasters find CAPTCHA generally succeeds at stopping bots from entering sites. However, the test does not operate without flaw. There are both advantages and disadvantages to using CAPTCHA, and website owners must weigh them before deciding to implement CAPTCHA on their sites.

Advantages

CAPTCHA's advantages include:

  • Protection against bots and spam. CAPTCHA includes protection that stops bots from accessing sites, limiting spam comments, fraudulent registrations, and unwanted traffic.
  • Improved security. By keeping automated scripts from accessing a site, CAPTCHA helps improve security as it blocks potential hackers.
  • Easy implementation. CAPTCHA is simple to add to a site. Many pre-built libraries and plugins are available that make it simple for website owners and developers to add CAPTCHA to a site.
  • Accessible. Because there are several different forms of CAPTCHA, they are accessible to users with various impairments.
  • Easy to use. Though some are more difficult than others, generally, the tests are easy for humans to complete.

Disadvantages

CAPTCHA's disadvantages include:

  • Potential inaccessibility. The tests are fairly accessible to visually impaired users. However, those with cognitive disabilities or elderly users may have difficulty completing the tests.
  • Annoying. One of the biggest downsides to the tests is the nuisance they may become to users. That could lead to users exiting the site before completing the test and accessing the site's features.
  • Ability to bypass. Despite their effectiveness, some users bypass CAPTCHAs via sophisticated bots and advanced machine learning algorithms.
  • Causes slowdowns. CAPTCHA can slow down the user experience as they have to wait seconds or even minutes to complete the test. That, in turn, may decrease user engagement.
  • Not suitable for all situations. In some cases, CAPTCHA may not be suitable for the application or the audience. For example, if the website's audience is mostly mobile users or users with visual impairments, the test is not ideal.

Though in some ways CAPTCHA is accessible, there are also concerns about its accessibility and usability for other groups. CAPTCHAs may be difficult for users with cognitive impairments, such as dyslexia or dementia. They may be too complex or difficult for users to identify.

Furthermore, some CAPTCHAs require elements that are not suitable for international audiences. The test might rely on an alphabet or characters that lack international recognition.

To help improve accessibility, website owners and developers must ensure that their implementation of the test makes it accessible to all users. Provide alternatives to the test where possible. Additionally, testing the CAPTCHA with a diverse group of users ensures that it's usable for all.

Alternatives to CAPTCHA

Because CAPTCHA is not a perfect test system, other developers have created alternative methods for validating human users. Some of the most common alternatives include:

  • hCaptcha: This is a service that allows websites to distinguish between humans and bots. But it also allows users to improve machine learning models by solving image and audio recognition tasks.
  • Invisible CAPTCHA: Instead of requiring users to complete a test, this test uses advanced risk analysis techniques to determine whether a user is human or not.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA): The two-factor authentication method requires users to provide two forms of identification, such as a password and a one-time code sent to their phone, to confirm their identity.
  • IP tracking: Some sites use a combination of IP tracking and behavior analysis to determine if a user is human without requiring a CAPTCHA.
  • Social logins: This method uses a social media platform's API to log in to a website. It allows the website to use the social media platform's user data to confirm the user as a human.

Each of these alternatives has its benefits and drawbacks, so analyze the needs of your site and audience before switching to or from the CAPTCHA system.

How do I bypass a CAPTCHA request?

Though CAPTCHAs do enhance a site's security, some tactics make it possible to bypass them. For Google's reCAPTCHA, the best way to get around it is simply by signing into your Google account beforehand. Because the test is Google's way of trying to authenticate users, being logged into your account proves authenticity.

In some cases, using a VPN (a virtual private network) also works well; a legitimate VPN often allows you to bypass the test altogether without taking any additional steps. You can also invest in a CAPTCHA-solving browser extension to allow you to get around the tests without having to solve them yourself.

Other bypass techniques, like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software or solving services meant to bypass the test, may also work. In more malicious attacks, some hackers use social engineering methods or CAPTCHA-farming. Farming involves using a group of computers or devices to solve the CAPTCHAs simultaneously.

How do I add CAPTCHA to my website?

There are several ways to implement the test onto your website. You can choose to use pre-built libraries and plugins, many of which already exist on website development platforms like WordPress. Alternatively, you can choose to create your test using programming language and implement it onto your site independently.

You can also choose to integrate a CAPTCHA service into your site using an API. Most sites now allow users to simply incorporate the test into the website's design by adding a form field to the site's registration or login.

Once you implement the test, make sure to try it with a diverse group of users. Keep the test simple, as complex tests may discourage users from getting onto the site. Provide clear instructions with your test. Additionally, remember to regularly update and monitor the implementation to make sure it remains effective in preventing bot bypass techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CAPTCHA meaning?

The CAPTCHA meaning is Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.

Is CAPTCHA spam?

No; though annoying, the test is not spam or a sign of an illegitimate website. The test intends to filter out humans from bots, thus improving a website's security and limiting spam.

Can CAPTCHA track you?

Though the test isn't designed to track you, it's possible that the cookies involved can track your Internet activity. To avoid this, you can clear your cookies or deny the cookies on the site you visit.

How does reCAPTCHA work?

These updated programs use risk analysis technology to assess user interaction and determine whether a user is a bot or real. Unlike the traditional CAPTCHA which uses images or distorted text, reCAPTCHA allows valid users to pass through without having to complete a test by analyzing the activity of traffic to sort the real traffic from bot traffic.