Implementing CAPTCHA on NHSBSA Open Data Portal Registration

In recent months, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has identified attempts to create automated accounts on the Open Data Portal. To further strengthen our defences and safeguard the integrity of our data, we've implemented CAPTCHA in the registration process. This measure is aimed at enhancing the security and integrity of our portal, ensuring that access is granted only to genuine users. 

What is CAPTCHA? 

CAPTCHA, which stands for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart", is a type of challenge-response test used in computing to determine whether the user is a human or an automated bot. By requiring users to complete a simple task that is difficult for bots but easy for humans, CAPTCHA effectively filters out automated attempts to create accounts or submit information. 

Why Implement CAPTCHA? 

The primary reason for implementing CAPTCHA in the registration process is to protect the NHSBSA Open Data Portal from misuse by automated systems. Bots can be programmed to create numerous fake accounts, which can lead to data manipulation, skewed analytics, and a drain on system resources. By introducing CAPTCHA, we aim to: 

• Prevent Automated Account Creation: CAPTCHA ensures that only real users can complete the registration process, reducing the number of fake accounts. 

• Optimize System Resources: Reducing the number of bot registrations helps in maintaining optimal performance and resource allocation for genuine users. 

• Discourage Denial-of-Service Attacks: CAPTCHA helps limit the number of automated requests submitted in a short period, protecting the portal from denial-of-service attacks. 

How CAPTCHA Works 

When you register on the NHSBSA Open Data Portal, you will now encounter a CAPTCHA challenge. This might involve tasks like identifying objects in images, solving simple math problems, or typing out distorted text. These tasks are easy for humans to solve but pose a significant challenge for automated bots. 

Benefits of Using CAPTCHA 

• Security: CAPTCHA protects against various forms of online threats, including spam, phishing attempts, brute-force attacks, and denial-of-service attacks. 

• Data Quality: By filtering out bots, CAPTCHA helps maintain high data quality, which is crucial for accurate analysis and decision-making. 

• User Experience: While adding a small step to the registration process, CAPTCHA significantly enhances the overall user experience by ensuring a secure and reliable platform. 

Accessibility 

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all users. The NHSBSA recognizes that some CAPTCHAs can be difficult for users with disabilities. We strive to use accessible CAPTCHA options whenever possible. 

Conclusion 

The implementation of CAPTCHA in the NHSBSA Open Data Portal's registration process is a proactive step to ensure the security and integrity of our services. We are committed to providing a safe and efficient platform for all our users, and this measure helps us achieve that goal. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to enhance the security of our portal. 

For any questions or further information, please feel free to contact our Support Team.