The technological fight against spammers continues to evolve as hacking methods grow exponentially in power. Advanced security protocols are constantly needed to battle automated attempts at unauthorized database access. The core defense against mechanical manipulation is the Completely Automated Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart, or CAPTCHA for short.
Unfortunately, this format has become exceedingly plagued by difficulties ranging from slight inconveniences to complete failures. As such, the future of CAPTCHA credential management utilities is murky, but the need for a protective log-in mechanism will always be present. This overview analyzes the coming changes that are in store for CAPTCHA software.
Becoming Unreadable
As computerized image mapping software becomes more effective, CAPTCHA text required extra vector layers to remain obscured from automated interpretation. The new need for entry commands that were extensively difficult to crack created illegible garbles of contorted alpha-numeric nonsense. The casual computer user commonly has to repeatedly refresh a CAPTCHA image before they can find one that is even worth attempting to mimic. In the meantime, computers still find ways to extract the word file for easy access. This means the current test has reversed the results to exclude humans in favor of robotic entrants. This status quo desperately needs a fix.
Math Equations and Riddles
Visual symbols share a common weakness that has grown over time. Increased user participation is clearly needed to filter out the computerized responses. Recently, a new form of CAPTCHA was rolled out. Instead of using a mere reentry protocol, this software poses a simple language problem or math question. It worked wonders for a few days, but an inevitable propensity to be cracked by machines rendered this path obsolete from its onset.
Auditory Commands
A common solution to the absolution of CAPTCHA entries has revolved around typing responses to sound files. Clips can simply declare the numbers and letters to be submitted, but they can also pose simple riddles that humans would easily comprehend. This replacement route has yet to gain momentum, mainly because the public perceives playing sound as an immense inconvenience; plus, access is limited in a variety of settings. Overall, verbalized commands benefit the disabled community, but widespread implementation seems unlikely due to associations with the handicapped community. Overall, this avenue naturally bans users that lack speakers or sound capabilities.
CAPTCHA Games
Interactive entertainment is the key to saving CAPTCHA from extinction. Fun games will convince users to put in the extra effort for the content they want to access. Aesthetically engaging puzzles will eliminate computers entirely without discouraging human audiences. These complex systems are much harder to compromise than basic text defenses. The enjoyable nature of these programs will even boost site clicks by users that simply want to play again. If the game runs fluidly enough, Web browsers will sync automatically and users will not notice. The tedious interim phase between access points can be seamlessly replaced with a virtual treat.
Final Word
As it stands, games are the most viable option left to save the CAPTCHA from being dismantled by machines. Still, there are a few hurdles to overcome. Any users that lack necessary software for gaming will be blocked from their services, and extra bandwidth can be costly. Web developers hope to simplify the format to make credential security universally safe and sound.