Jericho Security | Glossary

Jericho's Cybersecurity Glossary | CAPTCHA

Written by Jericho Security Team | September 27, 2024

Definition:

CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) is a challenge-response test used to verify whether the user is a human or a bot by presenting tasks that are easy for humans but difficult for automated systems.

Use Cases:

  • Used in online forms to prevent automated bots from submitting data or spamming websites.
  • Employed in login pages to prevent brute force attacks and other automated threats.

Related Terms:

  • Botnet
  • Automated Attacks
  • Security Challenge
  • Turing Test

Questions and Answers:

  • How does CAPTCHA prevent bots from accessing systems?
    CAPTCHA presents tasks that are difficult for bots to solve, such as identifying objects in images or solving distorted text, thus preventing automated systems from proceeding.

  • What are the different types of CAPTCHA?
    Common types include image recognition, text-based challenges, and more advanced versions like reCAPTCHA, which analyze user behavior to differentiate humans from bots.

  • Why is CAPTCHA important for web security?
    CAPTCHA helps prevent automated attacks, including bot submissions and brute force login attempts, improving the overall security of online services.