What is a captcha?

So-called captchas have to be entered on many websites. However, many do not even know what it is and what the security question is needed for. In this practical tip we explain what Captchas means in German and what it is all about.

What's Captchas in German?

• Classic captchas consist of randomly arranged numbers and letters that are displayed to the user.
• The abbreviation CAPTCHA stands for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart" - freely translated: "Test for the distinction between man and machine".
• Captchas are used to check whether, for example, a form has been completed by a human or a computer. Sometimes computers ("bots") are used to misuse automatic entries on a page.
• The captchas are relatively easy to read for humans, but this is usually impossible for computers because letters and numbers are displayed so distorted that systems cannot read them.
• Captchas can consist of numbers, words and letters that have to be typed into an input field. In addition, you should also solve arithmetic problems and enter the result. Captchas are also common, on which you have to click on certain symbols and thus prove "human intelligence".
• Since people with poor eyesight often have problems with the captchas, many can also be heard via an audio function (see picture).
• Conclusion: Captchas are annoying because they are not always entered correctly on the first try or are simply illegible. However, they are essential for protecting a website or service.

In the next practical tip you will learn what you can do if you do not see a captcha.