CAPTCHAs are used to verify that a user is human, not a computer program, when interacting with online systems. Previous studies have shown that solving CAPTCHAs activates areas in the brain associated with language processing and cognition. However, these studies were limited by their reliance on cumbersome and expensive equipment. This study aimed to investigate the brain’s response to CAPTCHA solving using a portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device.
Methods
Eighteen types of CAPTCHAs were presented to participants with varying difficulty levels. The fNIRS device measured changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex, a region associated with cognitive processing.
Results
The study found that CAPTCHA solving activated the prefrontal cortex and that the amount of activation varied depending on the difficulty level of the CAPTCHA. The findings suggest that fNIRS may be a useful tool for monitoring brain responses to CAPTCHAs in real-time, which could contribute to improving cybersecurity measures.
Discussion
The study demonstrates the feasibility of using portable fNIRS technology to investigate cognitive processes involved in solving CAPTCHAs. The results suggest that fNIRS may be a useful tool for identifying individuals who are most likely to be successful at solving CAPTCHAs, which could help improve cybersecurity measures.
Conclusion
In summary, this study used portable fNIRS technology to investigate the brain’s response to CAPTCHA solving. The findings suggest that fNIRS may be a useful tool for monitoring brain responses to CAPTCHAs in real-time and contributing to improving cybersecurity measures. By using this non-invasive and portable technology, researchers can gain a better understanding of the cognitive processes involved in solving CAPTCHAs, which could lead to more effective cybersecurity measures.
