Website 'verification codes'. A query.
Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 26 July 2007
From some PC's when I log onto certain websites (Ebay for example) I get a request to enter a verification code; copying a motley and motheaten looking number into a box. It does not happen from all PC's though.
Just curious to know what this thing is for, and why does it occurr on some PC's and not others. Can I make it go away?
Bruce
Posted on: 27 July 2007 by BigH47
It's a security measure. I think it confirms "direct" entry to the site.
Are these HTTPS sites?
Look out for a "what's this " button next time one appears it might say more.
Howard
Posted on: 27 July 2007 by DIL
I think the idea with these 'codes' is to prevent computer programmes being able to automatically sign in to such sites. The motheaten / distorted / half crossed out letters and numbers are difficult / impossible / not worth the effort for a computer programme to read. Without such codes, a programmer could hack up a programme that automatically created any number of e-bay, hotmail etc. accounts which could then be used to spam or whatever nasties they would want to.
/dl
Posted on: 27 July 2007 by acad tsunami
David is exactly correct.
Posted on: 27 July 2007 by chiba
Posted on: 27 July 2007 by Bruce Woodhouse
Thanks all, my curiosity is satisfied!
