What is a challenge-response test used in computing to confirm human interaction?

A challenge-response test designed to confirm human interaction is known as a captcha. Captcha stands for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart." It is specifically designed to ensure that a user is a human and not a bot trying to bypass security measures or engage in spammy activities. Captchas typically present users with tasks that are relatively easy for humans but difficult for automated systems, such as identifying distorted text, selecting images that fit a certain category, or solving simple puzzles.

This approach is necessary in online environments where automated scripts can wreak havoc, such as submitting forms en masse or engaging in other types of malicious activity. Captchas not only help protect websites and online services but also maintain the integrity of interactions on the internet.

While other options might involve verification processes, they do not specifically serve the same purpose as captchas in distinguishing human users from automated programs.