What is CAPTCHA: While using the internet today, you must have noticed that on almost every website one has to fill CAPTCHA before login, filling form or making payment. Sometimes they are asked to choose traffic lights and sometimes they have to identify crooked letters. In such a situation, the question arises, does the website really want to know whether you are a human being or is there some other reason hidden behind it?
What is CAPTCHA after all?
The full name of CAPTCHA is Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. In simple words, it is a digital test through which the website identifies whether there is a human being in front of it or a bot i.e. automatic software. Bots are often used to create fake accounts, spread spam or steal data.
The first shield of defense against bots
Millions of automated programs are active on the Internet every second. These bots can make fake comments on the website, tamper with the voting system or put unnecessary load on the server. CAPTCHA is the easiest and most effective way to stop these bots because the work which a human can do easily becomes difficult for the machine.
Data security along with security
CAPTCHA not only makes the website secure but also protects the users’ data. If a bot attempts a large number of login attempts or submits forms, then the risk of data leakage or account hacking increases. CAPTCHA stops such attacks to a great extent.
New age smart CAPTCHA
Earlier in CAPTCHA only letters had to be recognized but now the technology has changed. Today’s reCAPTCHA analyzes your mouse movements, clicking patterns, and even browsing patterns. Sometimes just clicking on I’m not a robot is enough because the system takes the decision after seeing your activity in the background.
Is CAPTCHA a hassle for us?
Of course, filling CAPTCHA again and again irritates many people. Especially when the system shows the test again even after selecting the correct image. But if this facility is not available then fraud and cyber crime on the internet can increase manifold.
The real secret hidden behind this
The real purpose of CAPTCHA is not just to prove that you are human, but it is an important weapon to keep the Internet safe, reliable and spam-free. This small process saves us from big troubles in the online world.
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