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rob
7th Feb 2007, 09:38 pm
I have just been asked to help investigate additional security features that can be added to an online poll for a national magazine.

Every year the magazine has an international poll which tops over 100,000 entries.

Each year the general public always try to suggest there are cases of vote rigging etc despite checks on the voting.

They want to introduce additional features to the online voting page.

I myself will not be doing the actual coding but have been asked to gather information so the relevant bods at the magazine are clued up prior to getting someone in to do it.

Are there specific terms for this extra verification, such as the distorted text you have to type or entering a code using drop down boxes.

David
10th Feb 2007, 03:46 pm
That text is known as CAPTCHA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captcha) and it's a very good way of ensuring that voting is done by individuals and not automated bots. I'm hoping to implement a CAPTCHA system on CADTutor shortly as we've been getting a lot of spam through out contact forms.

Bear in mind the accessibility issues with CAPTCHA and make sure you have an audio alternative.

rob
10th Feb 2007, 03:57 pm
Thanks David

I did find some info on the fact that Google are looking to implement sound as an alternative to their current CAPTCHA system.