Google’s ReCaptcha is and has been the most popular Captcha test online for many years. It’s long been considered the best of its kind; it uses simple visual and written tests to verify whether a user is human. This is done to protect data from bots, machine learning, and AI that might lead to either malicious use or spam. That being said, ReCaptcha has some issues that make it less than ideal for modern users.
Why should you replace ReCaptcha?
Firstly, ReCaptcha has a reputation for having serious accessibility issues. Many of the tests in ReCaptcha v2 rely on users having higher levels of sight capabilities, making them nearly impossible for visually impaired users to pass. Even without visual impairment, however, many of the test images are blurred and/or pixelated to the point of unreadability, rendering the test useless. Though v3 has fixed some of these issues by using user behaviors rather than images, it’s still not perfect, and can occasionally erroneously flag submissions completed using screen-readers or similar programs as fraudulent.
Beyond accessibility issues, ReCaptcha can be difficult to use in the European Union due to its data policies being incompliant with GDPR. ReCaptcha transfers users’ personal data to Google’s servers, which are located outside of the EU in the US, which is against GDPR regulations.
Even taking these issues into consideration, ReCaptcha’s main problem is that it is no longer as effective as it once was. With technological advancements in machine learning and AI programming, many bots have become sophisticated enough to parse information from the image tests used by ReCaptcha, and some have even begun to mimic user behavior (slower form fill times, more erratic movement, etc.) to fool ReCaptcha v3. This renders the tests useless and opens sites up to more spam and potential malicious behaviors.
Finally, ReCaptcha is, for many, a massive frustration to have to go through in order to access your data. As mentioned, the tests can vary from mildly time-consuming to downright impossible, which can discourage users from accessing your site at all.
The top 5 best replacements for ReCaptcha
Because ReCaptcha has so many issues, many businesses are choosing to phase it out of their operations. It’s still necessary to have some measure of protection for your business’s and your customers’ data, though, so finding a suitable replacement has become a priority. Here are the top five best replacements for ReCaptcha as a security method.
- Photolok
Photolok, developed by Netlok, is an photo-based multi-factor authentication system that can be used to verify identities and moderate access to data. When a user sets up their account, Photolok asks them to choose photos from a secure database to act as “keys” to their account. When they attempt to log in, they’ll be prompted to choose their photo from a grid. If they do so successfully, they’ll gain access to their information; if they choose the wrong photo, they won’t be able to access any of the information.
Photolok protects its users’ data against machine learning and AI attacks through its proprietary photo-based system; there is no prompt to choose a particular object that can be identified by AI and no password to decode. It also allows for different kinds of photo “keys” to be used – one-time-use photos can ensure that access can’t be gained through over-the-shoulder spying and Duress photos ensure that if a user is made to access their data by force, the appropriate people are notified immediately to secure the account.
This system integrates well with existing SSO and MFA systems, making it easy to switch over from ReCaptcha.
- Cloudflare
Cloudflare (fully Cloudflare Turnstile) is another verification metric that involves users passing a test to access their information. For this particular application, users simply click on a check square – the speed and accuracy of this click was measured to see if the user was in fact human. It can be easily integrated into most website builds and is free for up to ten widgets. The company also has a reputation for protecting the privacy of its clients.
The main issue with Cloudflare is that, similar to ReCaptcha, it can be susceptible to attacks by bots, especially machine learning or AI bots that have built-in randomization.
- MTCaptcha
MTCaptcha is another Captcha service similar to ReCaptcha that uses proof of work tokens – computations inside the browser’s workings that the user doesn’t have to interact with at all – to verify its users’ identities. It’s relatively adaptive, allows for regression testing, and is free to use for one domain.
Again, unfortunately, MTCaptcha can have some of the same issues as ReCaptcha when it comes to machine learning and AI attacks. It also tends to run slowly in more “suspicious” regions (ie, regions that have a history of attacks).
- DataDome’s Device Check
This program is not a Captcha test, but instead a device verifier that, again, does not require user interaction unless the user’s device does not pass the initial check. Device Check is good for blocking automation frameworks and spoofed environments, though it isn’t necessarily as effective against some kinds of bots. It runs on web browsers and mobile applications easily.
- Secondary Verification
Though not a specific program, using a secondary verification process – such as sending a verification code to a user’s email or phone – is a popular alternative to Captcha programs. This involvement of multi-factor authentication puts the verification in the hands of the users and is significantly stronger against machine learning and AI attacks. It is, however, somewhat frustrating for users and can lock them out of accounts if there are issues with the secondary verification method.
Try Photolok for your business
Photolok provides a robust alternative to ReCaptcha. The system’s sophisticated encryption and lateral defenses make it resilient against AI-driven attacks, as AI would struggle with the lack of traditional passwords and randomized photo placement. Implementing Photolok in businesses is straightforward. Its easy integration with existing systems enhances security without compromising user experience.
With no passwords to share or steal and the added protection of one-time-use photos, Photolok is particularly advantageous for remote workers in unsecured environments, making it a valuable addition to any security infrastructure. Schedule a meeting with the Photolok sales team via their website to see a demonstration of how Photolok can work for your business.
Read More: Understanding the Impact on MFA and SSO Implementations
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