MINI PROJECT SYNOPSIS

on
Develop a ML based model to refine Captcha

Group no. 09

Submitted by
Akshatra Gupta (2204500100014)
Arun Trigunayat (2204500100024)
Ashish Gangwar (2204500100026)

Mini Project Guide

Ms. Neha Sharma

Submitted to
Ms. Monica Mitra

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

SRMS College of Engineering, Technology & Research
Bareilly

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

i) Introduction……………………………………………………03

ii) Motivation………………………………………………….….04

iii) Problem Statement……………………………………………..05

iv) Objective……………………………………………………….06

v) Literature Review……………………………………… .…….07

vi) Tools and Technology…………………………… … …..……08

vii) Methodology…………………………………… ……...….….09

viii) Application………………………………… …… . ….…...….10

ix) Conclusion………………………………… …… ………...….11

x) References……………………………… ……… ……….……12

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 INTRODUCTION

CAPTCHA, or Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart,
is a widely used mechanism that helps websites and online services distinguish between human
users and automated bots. Originally designed to prevent spam and abuse, CAPTCHAs have
evolved significantly over the years. Traditional methods often involve visual challenges, such as
distorted text or image recognition tasks, which can be frustrating for users and pose accessibility
challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Despite their importance in maintaining cybersecurity, standard CAPTCHA implementations

face several limitations. Many users find traditional CAPTCHAs to be cumbersome and time-
consuming, leading to negative experiences that may result in site abandonment. Additionally,
the accessibility of these tests remains a significant concern; users with visual impairments or
cognitive disabilities may struggle to complete standard CAPTCHAs, leading to exclusion from
certain online services.

Moreover, advancements in artificial intelligence have enabled bots to bypass traditional

CAPTCHA systems, rendering many existing methods less effective. As bots become
increasingly sophisticated, the challenge lies in creating CAPTCHA systems that can not only
differentiate between humans and automated scripts but also adapt to user behavior and provide a
seamless experience.

This project aims to address these challenges by developing a machine learning-based model to
refine CAPTCHA systems. By analyzing user interaction data and employing adaptive
algorithms, the model will create dynamic CAPTCHA challenges that adjust in real time based
on user performance. This approach will not only enhance security but also improve user
experience by reducing frustration and increasing accessibility.

The proposed system will utilize various machine learning techniques, such as supervised
learning and feature extraction, to train models that classify user inputs and predict challenge
effectiveness. Additionally, an adaptive feedback loop will be implemented to learn from user
interactions, allowing the system to evolve over time. The goal is to develop CAPTCHAs that
are not only secure but also engaging and inclusive, ensuring that all users can access online
services without barriers.

By refining the CAPTCHA experience, this project seeks to bridge the gap between security and
usability in digital environments. Ultimately, it aims to create a robust, adaptable CAPTCHA
model that meets the needs of both users and service providers, ensuring a more secure and
accessible internet for everyone.

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 MOTIVATION

In an increasingly digital world, the need for secure online interactions has never been more
critical. CAPTCHAs serve as a frontline defense against malicious bots that can exploit online
services, commit fraud, or scrape valuable data. However, the effectiveness of traditional
CAPTCHA systems is waning due to evolving bot technologies and user dissatisfaction. This
underscores a pressing need for innovation in CAPTCHA design, not just for security but also
for improving user experience and accessibility. The motivation behind this project stems from
three primary concerns: security, user experience, and inclusivity.

1. Security Challenges: As bots become more advanced through machine learning and
artificial intelligence, they are increasingly capable of bypassing traditional CAPTCHA
systems. This trend poses a significant risk to the integrity of online services, making it
crucial to develop adaptive and robust CAPTCHA mechanisms that can stay ahead of
evolving threats. A machine learning-based approach can offer a dynamic solution that
adjusts to new attack vectors, enhancing the security of online platforms.
2. User Experience: Many users find traditional CAPTCHAs to be frustrating, time-
consuming, and often confusing. Studies have shown that a poor CAPTCHA experience can
lead to site abandonment, negatively impacting user engagement and conversion rates. By
refining CAPTCHAs to be more intuitive and responsive to user behavior, we can create a
more enjoyable online experience. This project seeks to leverage machine learning to
develop challenges that are not only effective but also engaging, minimizing user frustration
and promoting seamless interactions.
3. Accessibility: An essential aspect of digital inclusivity is ensuring that online services are
accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Traditional CAPTCHA
formats can create barriers for users with visual impairments, cognitive challenges, or other
disabilities. By focusing on adaptive challenge design that takes user needs into account, this
project aims to create CAPTCHAs that are inclusive and compliant with accessibility
standards. Ensuring that everyone can access online services is not just a moral imperative
but also broadens the user base for digital platforms.

In summary, the motivation for developing a machine learning-based CAPTCHA refinement

model lies in the intersection of security, user experience, and accessibility. By addressing these
critical concerns, the project aspires to create a CAPTCHA system that not only safeguards
online interactions but also enriches the user experience for all. The goal is to redefine how
CAPTCHA is perceived and implemented, making it a positive aspect of online security rather
than a hurdle for users. Through innovative design and intelligent adaptation, we can pave the
way for a more secure and inclusive digital landscape.

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 OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of this project is to develop a machine learning-based model that refines
CAPTCHA systems to enhance security while improving user experience and accessibility. To
achieve this overarching aim, several specific objectives have been outlined:

 Dynamic Challenge Generation: Create a system that generates CAPTCHA

challenges tailored to user behavior and performance metrics. Implement adaptive algorithms
that modify the difficulty and type of CAPTCHA presented based on real-time analysis of
user interactions. This will ensure that challenges remain engaging and appropriately
challenging, reducing frustration while maintaining security.

 User-Centric Design: Improve the overall user experience by developing CAPTCHAs

that are more intuitive and less intrusive. Conduct user studies to gather feedback on existing
CAPTCHA systems, identifying common pain points. Utilize this information to design
challenges that are easier to understand and complete, minimizing barriers to access.

 Enhanced Accessibility: Ensure that the refined CAPTCHA system is accessible to all
users, including those with disabilities. Integrate various CAPTCHA formats, such as audio
and visual challenges, that cater to diverse user needs. Conduct thorough testing with
individuals who have disabilities to ensure compliance with accessibility standards, such as
the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

 Real-Time Learning and Adaptation: Develop a feedback mechanism that allows

the machine learning model to continuously learn and adapt from user interactions.
Implement a system that collects data on user responses, including success rates and response
times. Use this data to refine the model over time, enhancing its accuracy and effectiveness
in generating challenges that deter bots while being user-friendly.

 Scalability and Implementation: Ensure that the refined CAPTCHA model is scalable
and can be easily integrated into existing online platforms. Develop guidelines and tools for
seamless implementation, enabling web developers to incorporate the new CAPTCHA
system into their services without significant overhead. This includes creating APIs and
documentation to facilitate adoption.

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 LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature on online auction systems covers a range of topics, from user behavior
and engagement to technical aspects such as security and design. Several studies
emphasize the importance of user-friendly interfaces in facilitating participation and
creating a positive user experience. Research indicates that intuitive navigation and
responsive design contribute significantly to user satisfaction and increased
engagement in online auctions.

Real-time bidding mechanisms have been a focal point in the literature. Scholars
explore the dynamics of bidding wars, the impact of bid increments, and the integration
of proxy bidding systems. Understanding user behavior in real-time auctions is essential
for optimizing the bidding process and creating a competitive yet fair environment.

Payment integration is another extensively covered area. Research emphasizes the

need for supporting diverse payment methods to accommodate a broad user base. The
literature discusses the advantages of escrow systems for high-value transactions,
adding an extra layer of security and trust in the online auction process.

The impact of mobile applications on online auctions is a growing area of interest.

Scholars investigate the role of mobile platforms in expanding user accessibility and
participation. The literature underscores the importance of responsive design and
performance optimization to ensure a seamless experience for mobile users.

Overall, the literature review on online auction systems reflects a multidisciplinary

approach, encompassing user experience, security, technology, and legal
considerations. By synthesizing insights from these studies, practitioners can gain a
comprehensive understanding of the key factors influencing the success and
sustainability of online auction platforms.

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 TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY

To develop a machine learning-based CAPTCHA refinement model, a variety of tools and

technologies will be utilized throughout different phases of the project. These tools will facilitate
data collection, model development, testing, and deployment, ensuring a robust and scalable
solution.

1. Programming Languages:
o Python: The primary programming language for implementing machine learning
algorithms, data processing, and system integration. Python's extensive libraries and
frameworks make it ideal for rapid development and experimentation.

2. Machine Learning Frameworks:

o TensorFlow: An open-source machine learning framework that provides robust tools
for building and training neural networks. TensorFlow will be used for developing
complex models that can adaptively generate CAPTCHA challenges based on user
interactions.
o Scikit-learn: A widely-used library for classical machine learning algorithms. Scikit-
learn will aid in feature extraction, model evaluation, and implementation of basic
machine learning techniques for initial testing.

3. Data Collection and Management:

o Pandas: A powerful data manipulation library that will be used for handling and
analyzing datasets. Pandas will assist in cleaning and preparing user interaction data
for model training.
o SQL/NoSQL Databases: Depending on the data structure, either a SQL database
(e.g., PostgreSQL) or a NoSQL database (e.g., MongoDB) will be used for storing
user interaction data, model parameters, and feedback.

4. Frontend Technologies:
o HTML/CSS/JavaScript: Standard web technologies for designing and implementing
user interfaces. JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React or Vue.js) may be used to create
dynamic and responsive CAPTCHA interfaces that enhance user experience.

5. Data Visualization:
o Matplotlib/Seaborn: Libraries for data visualization that will be utilized to analyze
user interaction data and visualize model performance metrics. This will aid in
interpreting results and making informed adjustments to the model.

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 METHODOLOGY

The methodology for developing a machine learning-based model to refine CAPTCHA systems
consists of several structured phases, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach. Each
phase is designed to address specific aspects of the project, from data collection to model
deployment.

 User Interaction Data: Gather a diverse dataset of user interactions with various
CAPTCHA types. This will include successful and unsuccessful attempts, response times,
and user demographics. Data can be collected through existing web applications or by
conducting controlled user studies.

 Cleaning and Normalization: Use tools like Pandas to clean and preprocess the
collected data. This includes handling missing values, normalizing response times, and
categorizing user responses (e.g., success vs. failure).

 Feature Engineering: Extract relevant features from the data, such as the type of
CAPTCHA used, difficulty level, and user characteristics. This step is crucial for training
effective machine learning models.

 Algorithm Selection for Model Development: Choose appropriate machine

learning algorithms based on the complexity of the problem. Start with supervised learning
techniques using Scikit-learn for initial classification models, and explore neural networks
with TensorFlow for more complex adaptive systems.

 Training and Validation: Split the dataset into training and testing subsets. Train the
model using the training data and validate its performance on the test set, tuning
hyperparameters to optimize accuracy and reduce overfitting.

 Real-Time Adjustment: Implement an adaptive mechanism that modifies CAPTCHA

challenges based on user performance metrics in real time. This involves developing
algorithms that can assess user interactions and generate suitable challenges accordingly.

 Multi-Format CAPTCHAs: Create a range of CAPTCHA formats (text, image, audio)

and assess their effectiveness in different scenarios, ensuring diversity in challenge types to
keep users engaged.

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 User Testing: Conduct usability tests with a diverse group of participants, including those
with disabilities, to gather feedback on the refined CAPTCHA challenges. Monitor
completion rates, response times, and overall satisfaction.

 Accessibility Evaluation: Use tools like Axe to evaluate the accessibility of the
CAPTCHA system, ensuring it meets established guidelines such as WCAG.

 Performance Evaluation: Evaluate the new CAPTCHA system against traditional

methods using metrics such as completion rates, user satisfaction scores, and the
effectiveness in deterring bots. Conduct statistical analyses to assess the significance of
improvements.

 Monitoring and Maintenance: After deployment, monitor the system’s performance

and gather user feedback for continuous improvement. Regular updates to the model will be
implemented based on new data and emerging challenges.

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 APPLICATIONS
The development of a machine learning-based CAPTCHA refinement model has numerous
practical applications across various sectors. These applications enhance security, improve user
experience, and promote inclusivity in digital interactions. Below are some key applications:

1. E-Commerce Websites: Enhanced CAPTCHA systems can help protect e-commerce

platforms from bot-driven fraud, such as account creation, product scraping, and payment
fraud. By dynamically adapting to user behavior, these systems can effectively deter
malicious activities while ensuring legitimate users have a smooth experience.

2. Social Media Platforms: Machine learning-enhanced CAPTCHAs can be employed to

verify new user accounts, preventing spam accounts and ensuring authentic engagement on
social media platforms. The adaptive nature of the system can reduce user frustration during
sign-up processes.

3. Online Banking and Financial Services: Financial institutions can utilize refined
CAPTCHAs as an added layer of security for online transactions and account access. By
ensuring that only humans can access sensitive areas, these systems can help prevent
unauthorized access and fraud.

4. Educational Platforms: Online education platforms can implement adaptive CAPTCHA

systems to maintain academic integrity during assessments. By effectively differentiating
between human test-takers and automated scripts, these systems can reduce the risk of
cheating.

5. Government Services: Government websites that provide services such as tax filing,
benefits applications, and citizen engagement can benefit from enhanced CAPTCHA
systems. Ensuring that only legitimate users access sensitive information is crucial for
maintaining security and trust.

6. Healthcare Portals: Online healthcare platforms can use refined CAPTCHAs to

safeguard patient information and sensitive health records. By preventing bots from
accessing these portals, the system helps maintain privacy and data integrity.

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7. Gaming and Online Communities: Online gaming platforms and community forums
can employ advanced CAPTCHA systems to prevent bot activity, such as cheating or
spamming. This ensures a fair and enjoyable experience for all players and community
members.

8. Content Platforms: News sites, blogs, and content platforms can utilize adaptive
CAPTCHAs to filter out spam and bot-generated comments, enhancing the quality of user
interactions and discussions.

9. Mobile Applications: Mobile applications can implement machine learning-based

CAPTCHAs during user registration or sensitive actions (like password resets) to ensure
secure and human-only interactions, all while being mindful of mobile user experience.

10. Research and Development: Researchers can utilize refined CAPTCHA systems in
studies that require human input, ensuring that data collection is valid and that the responses
are genuinely human-generated.

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 CONCLUSION

The development of a machine learning-based model to refine CAPTCHA systems represents a

significant advancement in balancing security, user experience, and accessibility in digital
interactions. As the landscape of online threats continues to evolve, traditional CAPTCHA
methods often fall short in effectively distinguishing between human users and increasingly
sophisticated bots. This project addresses these challenges by leveraging machine learning
algorithms that adaptively generate CAPTCHA challenges based on user behavior and feedback.
By creating a more dynamic system, we can enhance the security of online platforms while
simultaneously reducing user frustration.

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is its commitment to inclusivity. Traditional
CAPTCHA systems can be barriers for users with disabilities, leading to exclusion from essential
online services. By focusing on adaptive and multi-format CAPTCHA designs, this project seeks
to ensure that all users, regardless of ability, can engage with online platforms without facing
unnecessary hurdles. This approach aligns with modern web accessibility standards, fostering an
inclusive digital environment that benefits everyone.

Moreover, the application of advanced machine learning techniques allows for continuous
improvement and real-time learning. By implementing feedback loops that gather data on user
interactions, the CAPTCHA system can evolve over time, refining its challenge types and
difficulty levels to maintain effectiveness against emerging threats. This iterative process not
only enhances security but also cultivates a more user-friendly experience, encouraging higher
completion rates and user satisfaction.

In conclusion, the refinement of CAPTCHA systems through machine learning not only
addresses critical security concerns but also fosters inclusivity and engagement in online
interactions. As we move forward, the lessons learned and technologies developed in this project
will serve as a foundation for creating advanced, adaptive solutions that keep pace with the ever-
evolving challenges of the digital landscape. Emphasizing the importance of user-centric design
and continuous adaptation, this initiative paves the way for a more secure, accessible, and user-
friendly online experience.

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 REFERENCES

1. The paper, Supriya Rajankar and Neha Sakharkar, Dept. of Electronics and
Telecommunication Sinhgad College of Engineeering, Vadgaon(Bk), Pune, India, “A
Survey on Flight Pricing Prediction using Machine Learning”, Vol. 8 Issue 06, June-
2019.

2. The paper Tessy Abraham, Chippy T, Sreelekshmi B, Mahaguru Institute of Technology,

Kerala,India, “A Flight Price Predictor System Using Python”, Volume 11, Issue 7 July
2023.

3. The paper, William Groves and Maria Gini Department of Computer Science and
Engineering, University of Minnesota “A regression model for predicting optimal
purchase timing for airline tickets”, October 18, 2011.

4. Machine Learning and Decision Tree Classification Algorithm from website javatpoint.com

5. Root Mean Square Error and Mean Absolute Percentage Error From websites aporia.com
and geeksforgeeks.org respectively.

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 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that this submission is our own work and that, to the best of our knowledge
and beliefs, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor
material which to substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or
diploma of the university or other institute learning, except where due acknowledgement has
been made in the text.

Signature………………
Name- Akshatra Gupta
Roll no.-2204500100014
Date…………

Signature………………
Name- Arun Trigunayat
Roll no.-2204500100024
Date…………

Signature………………
Name- Ashish Gangwar
Roll no.-2204500100026
Date………….

Signature:
Guide Name: Ms. Neha Sharma

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