Beyond Text CAPTCHAs: Comparing Image and Audio Challenges for Secure, Usable, and Accessible Authentication
Sangeetha N
Abstract
Purpose This Study Aims to Compare Three Widely Used Captcha Techniques, Namely Text-Based, Image-Based, And Audio-Based Captchas, To Evaluate Their Effectiveness in Preventing Automated Bot Attacks While Providing a User-Friendly Experience for Legitimate Users. With The Rapid Development of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, And Optical Character Recognition Technologies, Traditional Captcha Systems Face Significant Challenges in Differentiating Between Human Users and Automated Software Programs. This Research Focuses on Analyzing the Security, Accessibility, Usability, And Resistance Capabilities of Different Captcha Methods Against Modern Cyber Threats. Design/Methodology/Approach This Study Follows a Comparative Research Approach Based on a Review of Existing Captcha Technologies and Related Security Studies. Text, Image, And Audio Captcha Methods are Analyzed Using Various Performance Parameters Including Security Level, User Experience, Accessibility, Completion Time, Implementation Complexity, And Resistance to Automated Attacks. The Study Uses a Qualitative Analysis Framework To Identify The Advantages And Limitations Of Each Captcha Technique And To Determine Their Suitability For Different Web Application Environments. Findings The Study Finds That Text-Based Captchas Are Easy To Implement And Require Less Computational Resources; However, They Are Becoming Vulnerable Due To Advancements In Ocr And Machine Learning Technologies. Image-Based Captchas Provide Better Security Against Automated Attacks by Requiring Visual Analysis, But They May Create Usability Issues for Certain Users. Audio-Based Captchas Improve Accessibility for Visually Impaired Users but Can Be Challenging Due to Noise Interference And Advanced Speech Recognition Systems. The Results Indicate That No Single Captcha Method Can Provide Complete Security and Usability In All Conditions. Originality/Value This Paper Provides a Comprehensive Comparative Analysis of Text, Image, And Audio Captcha Techniques Using Multiple Evaluation Criteria. It Highlights Current Security Challenges and Provides Insights for Developing More Effective And User-Centric Captcha Systems.