Comment spam can be a very annoying problem for beginner bloggers. There are many ways to fight spam, but if you don't know how to deal with the ever-increasing number of spam comments, then know that there is a solution: The CAPTCHA system.

In this article, we will show you how to block unwanted comments on your WordPress blog with the CAPTCHA system. We will also discuss the pros and cons of the CAPTCHA system on your WordPress site.

What is the system of CAPTCHA

The CAPTCHA system stands for " Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart". This is a technique used to control spam submitted by automated bots.

It shows users an image that contains slightly distorted letters and numbers. To submit a web form, users must enter the letters and numbers shown in the image to prove they are human.

The advantages of the CAPTCHA system

The most obvious benefit of using the CAPTCHA comment system is that it helps reduce spam, as most comment spam is sent by automated bots. The CAPTCHA system prevents bots from abusing your comment form.

The combination of the CAPTCHA system technique with Akismet can significantly reduce the number of unwanted comments on your WordPress blog.

The disadvantages of CAPTCHA

The CAPTCHA system is only effective for spam emails that are posted manually (For an individual) among the comments. A lot of commented spam these days are usually submitted by users who are trying to put a link to questionable or irrelevant sites in their comments.

Another downside to using the CAPTCHA system to control spam is that it adds an extra step, making posting comments a bit more difficult. Unsophisticated users often find a form containing a CAPTCHA code very boring and difficult to complete, and are often less motivated to comment on your blog.

If the disadvantages of CAPTCHA are not tolerable, then you can always try to block spam on your WordPress using Honeypot.

How to add a CAPTCHA to your WordPress blog

There are many WordPress plugins which will allow you to add a "CAPTCHA" or " reCaptcha " to forms on your WordPress site. We have selected a few of them for you.

WP-reCaptcha

The first thing you need to do is install and activate the plugin WP-reCaptcha on your website. When activating, you just need to access this location " Settings >> WP-reCAPTCHA To configure the plugin.

01

WP-reCAPTCHA requires API keys ReCAPTCHA from Google. To generate them, you must visit the site reCAPTCHA. Sign up using your Google account. After registration, all you need to do is add your blog, and you will be able to recover your key.

You will then have to copy it and paste in the plugin settings interface « WP-reCAPTCHA ».

02

After entering the API key, you must check the box " Enable comments form ». WP-reCAPTCHA allows you to disable code entry reCAPTCHA for registered users. You can also choose a color scheme.

If your blog is open for user registration, you can also add a code reCAPTCHA on your registration page. Once you are done with the settings, you need to click on the button «Save settings reCaptcha (Save reCAPTCHA setting).

03

That's all, the comments form is now code protected reCAPTCHA.

Easy Captcha

If you want more choices, then install and activate the plugin Easy Captcha. After installation, you just need to navigate to the location « Settings >> Easy Captcha » to configure the plugin. It offers you the option to add a hidden Captcha code, a simple CAPTCHA code, or the Google recaptcha code.

The hidden CAPTCHA is actually similar to technology honeypot. Your human users will not see any difference in the different comment forms. However, the robots will be monitored by the plugin.

Easy CAPTCHA adds the image and it is easier for users to read and complete. Finally, you can also use the system reCAPTCHA of Google.

04

This plugin also allows you to add captcha not only on the comments form, on the registration and login page, but also on the password reset pages. Once you have configured the plugin settings, save your changes and you will be able to see a preview of the form.

05

Securimage-WP

For the most powerful options, try the plugin Securimage-WP. During the installation you just need to navigate to the location " Settings >> Securimage-WP To configure the plugin.

Unlike plugins previously mentioned in this article, Securimage-WP offers many more options, which could easily lose a beginner blogger.

06

Securimage-WP do not use the system reCAPTCHA from Google. Instead, it generates an image, using the GD library of the PHP programming language. It also gives you the option to add a refresh button and show the refresh button. CAPTCHA audio. These options are very useful for users with special needs.

07

When using the plugin Securimage-WP, don't forget to uncheck the box just after the option " Show protected by Link ". Otherwise, a link to the plugin website will be displayed.

There you have it, I hope this article will help you effectively block spam comments on your WordPress site.

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