Cybersecurity is the number one threat to companies in 2024 with their websites facing a constant barrage of automated attacks from millions of malicious bots. These bots are designed to wreak havoc; from stealing user data and spamming contact forms to scraping valuable content and disrupting essential services.
With the sheer number of bots out there you may be thinking what can I do to combat this threat? The good news is that website owners have a roster of tools at their disposal to help, most rely on CAPTCHAs (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart).
reCAPTCHA is a free service by Google that helps distinguish between humans and those pesky internet robots. I’m sure you have all experienced this when a website presents a challenge that may seem blatantly obvious and easy for humans to solve but difficult for bots, helping to ensure that only real people interact with your website.
When most companies think of this security option they traditionally use reCAPTCHA v2 as it was the go-to option. It presented users with a checkbox “I'm not a robot" and sometimes an image recognition challenge, requiring users to identify objects like traffic lights or bicycles. I’m sure we have all experienced the dread of overthinking if an object has leaked into another square and we will be penalised for this pathetic attempt.
Whilst mostly effective, v2 has had its drawbacks, one being user experience, where clicking checkboxes and solving image puzzles can disrupt the UX on your website and frustrate legitimate visitors. This could potentially cause them to click off your site or affect their perception of your brand. It could also cause issues to arise over privacy concerns as v2 relied heavily on cookies, and as we all know over the past 10 years there has been a rise in concerns around the collection of user’s data, which has resulted in stricter data privacy regulations such as GDPR.
Advanced threat detection analyses a wider range of user interactions than v2, making it more adept at catching more sophisticated bots that have been programmed to mimic human behaviour. Finally, customisable security provides a risk score, allowing you, the owner, to set a threshold for blocking suspicious activity. This level of control allows you to tailor security measures to your brand's website-specific needs.
The module is straightforward to install and configure, requiring minimal technical expertise.
Set the reCAPTCHA v3 score threshold to match your desired level of security.
While reCAPTCHA v3 offers a powerful solution, no security measure is foolproof from online threats. It's crucial to stay informed about evolving bot threats and adapt your security strategy accordingly. Consider combining reCAPTCHA with other security measures like IP address blocking and regular website monitoring.
By implementing a combination of reCAPTCHA v3, honeypots and other security practices, you can create a formidable defence against bots, protecting your website and safeguarding your valuable data.