The chances are good that you have come across a human authentication system online. In Google’s version, you are usually asked to point out things like cars, traffic lights or fire hydrants. Other websites might use the popular CAPTCHA test.
A word or a phrase is usually displayed in a strange font or typeface. This is done so that computers can’t “read” the letters, as only a human can decipher the code. Interestingly, Google acquired the reCAPTCHA deployment system in 2019.
Cybercriminals are now using the same technology to target potential victims. While the use of CAPTCHA as a scam delivery system isn’t new, the frequency of online deployment has increased. Here’s what to look out for, and how to stay safe.
Here’s the backstory
Visual puzzles aren’t the preferred method for scammers. But a recent report by Proofpoint showed that attacks using CAPTCHA increased by 50 times compared to last year. The…
