Google CAPTCHA -- getting a sense of impressions

3moCC wrote:

We do not use a CAPTCHA, or... at least, I never see one.
I found this forum post by an alter message when I first log in as an Admin of our FTH site.

QUOTE:

[Mon, 04 Oct 2021 15:15:58 UTC, FreeToastHost System Warning]

Google RECAPTCHA detected a suspicious activity likely initiated by a bot or automated script.

*** NOTE: FreeToastHost may block suspicious activities in the near future. ***

Details:

---

Club #: 816
Club Name: Woodfords Toastmasters Club
User's IP Address: 192.186.72.50
User's Host Domain:
Attempted Action: Website Admin Login ()
Google RECAPTCHA Score: (Mininum Acceptable: 0.5)
Other Information: [NO RECAPTCHA TOKEN RECEIVED]

If you have any questions about this warning, please visit support.toastmastersclubs.org

---

[2021-10-04 02:16:48 GMT, FTH Developer] We have been "trying out" the Google reCAPTCHA v3 technology since earlier this year in a "passive mode", just doing warnings. I would like to get some impressions of it from our users. One of things on my "to-do" list is to figure out what (if anything) to do next with this technology. (or should we drop it)

You can leave your thoughts and feedback here:

support.toastmastersclubs.org/2011-10-23...sense-of-impressions

Regards,

Steve James, DTM
FreeToastHost System Developer
support.toastmastersclubs.org


UNQUOTE.


I have no idea what the message is about, as we don not nuse a CAPTCHA.

Moreover, even if we were, I would oppose anything from GatekeeperGoogle as this becomes just one more way for that corporaiton to scrape private information about users to add to the dossier that that privacy-invading corporaton compiles for each IP.


 

As it is part of the website template and system code (I define that), you are using it.  (just like everyone else using FTH)  We are trying it out due to a need for increased system security approaches.  The message you cite above was from me.  The fact that you do not realize you are using it just underscores my point above that it is less intrusive. 

It is seemingly sending a warning about everyone who signs in, not suspicious activity - unless all activity is suspicious. doesn't seem to be a good thing.

Freddi wrote:

It is seemingly sending a warning about everyone who signs in, not suspicious activity - unless all activity is suspicious. doesn't seem to be a good thing.

I do not think that is happening.  (but maybe I am mistaken)  Where are you seeing that?
 

The only warnings that I saw on the two sites that I manage was from me logging in. Not sure why. I don't think I'm a suspicious person, but perhaps I'm wrong.

I've noticed the icon on the screen and had no issues with the flow.  I"ve not seen any issues from member interactions at this time.  It is much better than the periodic, find the crosswalk or bus scenario at the .org site.  Should I be expecting some reports or emails for suspect logins?  Thanks for your effort.
 

I am the site admin for multiple clubs in our area who do not have members with the needed computer skills or understanding to be site admin.  The CAPTCHA messages show up weekly during the site admin login, and always concerning our members who are visually impaired, not computer savvy, forget passwords, or mistype their passwords often.  If you begin blocking these users, it will be more complicated for the ones who have the most problems with basic logins.  The club site admin knows who the legitimate members are.  If you continue to use this service, I recommend you allow club site admin to verify legitimate users to eliminate weekly warnings about them.  Give club site admin the option to block or not to block questionable users to prevent legitimate members from losing access which may cause them to leave Toastmasters altogether.  The other option of selecting pictures with a certain feature is not desirable, since it prevents visually impaired members from gaining access.