Anyone who has been on the Internet for more than five minutes has probably encountered a CAPTCHA. These pesky little blockades appear whenever the content is going to be good. While these measures are intended to keep chaotic bots out of the system, they sometimes block human users too. Luckily, the security technology is rapidly evolving. Here are 6 changes to expect within this decade!
Authentication through Image Mapping
A new entry granting mechanism has risen in the form of Confident Technologies and the image-based CAPTCHA. Automated traffic can be instantly halted without the annoying inclusion of interpreting garbled text. The nonsensical two-word verification process can be replaced by a prompt to select a certain picture from a series of images. This quick process only requires the attribution of nouns to objects. As a result, anyone can gain access immediately.
Visual Implementation of Numerical Keys
This variation expands on the previous technique by ascribing alphanumeric symbols to verification images. A personalized pin is created for each individual user, but they do not type it in as a password; instead, they enter their code by selecting matching pictures in order. The images do not have to correspond with their letters or numbers, but the association will be used to instill a natural psychological pattern of choice. Overall, the thumbnails primarily exist to distract unwanted bots. Meanwhile, everyone else can connect with ease.
Multi-Factor Authentication
A simple way to maximize security is through the enforcement of a two-pronged strategy. Most versions of this approach mandate the use of multiple gadgets. For example, computer users may be asked to solve an image-based riddle on their handheld device. Mobile inclusion adds an extra layer of safety by eliminating the risk of unidentifiable fraud. Most of these multi-factor techniques take place through traceable SMS messaging.
Social Media Integration
Another way to potentially bypass CAPTCHAs is through a merger of social media accounts. When users enter sites through a major platform, they instantly prove their humanity. Furthermore, all activities can be tracked in their profile’s log, and this recorded trail of behavior ensures all practices are legitimate. Another added bonus of this format is that it enables free advertising among friends. Circles of acquaintances can naturally gravitate towards the interests of their most popular pal, and their inclination to use an alternate CAPTCHA service will garner serious notice.
Fingerprints and Eye Scanners
The human body is equipped with many one-of-a-kind elements that bots can never emulate. Fingerprints are at the top of this list, but retinas are also useful. Once everyone connects to the Web via means of physical identification, CAPTCHAs will forever be obsolete. In the meantime, they are still a necessity of the medium.
Auditory Input
As built-in microphones become more prevalent in the tech industry, users are increasingly opting in favor of vocal commands. This acceptance of speaking directly to computers is transcendental for CAPTCHA technology. All it takes to verify an identity is the utterance of some random phrase. To prevent prerecorded entries, all auditory requests are innately customized. They are also designed to pick up the unique characteristics of each person’s voice, which turns the vocal chords into another kind of fingerprint.
Final Word
It is important to note that online trends are wildly unpredictable. As such, the future of CAPTCHAs may also follow another trajectory that is currently unseen.