[access-uk] Re: A verification graphic solution perhaps?
- From: Mel Spooner <mel.spooner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006 14:33:47 +0000
Hi Damon,
I have no idea how these things work and how the software which hacks into
them works either. However, would a possible solution be to present the
user with a string of letters or numbers, then for the software to ask for
say, the 2nd, 4th and 6th characters in the string? Obviously this would
be randomly generated.
I have to say that I find an alternative hone number a very unacceptable
work around, but that's just my own opinion.
Mel
Mel Spooner
edIT Help Desk
Nottinghamshire County Council
Tel 0115 854 6116
Email mel.spooner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: 28 February 2006 14:26
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] A verification graphic solution perhaps?
HI all,
I just drafted what I I hope will be a thought provoking email about
registration verification graphics for an internal accessibility list here
at work. The BBC are seeking new solutions to the problem and currently
have the idea to provide an 0800 support number alongside the website.
The following are some ideas I had on a possible web based solution, Be
good to get feedback off it. Good idea or bad idea?
This whole problem is about Verification graphics. Visually impaired
people either can't decipher the complexity because of low vision or just
can't read a graphic at all if they have no sight. Screenreaders,
obviously, can't read graphics.
Follow my train of thought here ...
If screenreaders COULD read the verification graphics, then so could any
bit of software cobbled together by a script kiddie. In fact, that's why
the graphics work so well for sighted users ... and indeed why they work
so badly for visually impaired ones. If it were readable in any way, then
scripters could setup mail accounts, swing votes, etc en masse. An issue
for spamming and integrity of many online services.
Other solutions in the past, such as the one used by Hotmail, have
involved speech. A sound file with a word in it is generated. Speech
recognition software exists, however, thought though I'm sure this is a
pretty good solution with more thought.
So, we're looking at something that isn't an alphanumeric ascii solution.
The verification graphics are fancily written words so that even the best
OCR software can't read it. It relies on your brain to decipher things too
complex for computers.
So, why not another solution that is too complex for computers to easily
crack.
What if the web user was given an alternative verification ... i.e. given
the verification graphic and also a riddle or quiz?
E.g. 1: "Work out the answer to the following and tap it into the edit
field below"
E.g. 2: "What is the next number in this sequence?"
E.g. 4: "What is the capital of China?"
E.g. 3: "the cat sat on the --- .... Fill in the blank word"
This approach is one a computer program can't easily replicate. It asks
the user to use their brain to answer a question.
Any thoughts appreciated. Any flaws in my plan most welcome. Better more
appropriate examples also welcome.
...Damon
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal
views which are not the views of the BBC unless specifically stated. If
you have received it in error, please delete it from your system.
Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in
reliance on it and notify the sender immediately. Please note that the BBC
monitors e-mails sent or received.
Further communication will signify your consent to this.
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
E-mails and any attachments from Nottinghamshire County Council are
confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender
immediately by replying to the e-mail, and then delete it without making copies
or using it in any other way.
Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the sender and do not
necessarily represent those of Nottinghamshire County Council unless otherwise
specifically stated.
Although any attachments to the message will have been checked for viruses
before transmission, you are urged to carry out your own virus check before
opening attachments, since the County Council accepts no responsibility for
loss or damage caused by software viruses.
Senders and recipients of email should be aware that, under the Data Protection
Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the contents may have to be
disclosed in response to a request.
Nottinghamshire County Council Legal Disclaimer
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
Other related posts:
