12306.cn adopts image CAPTCHA to block ticket-buying software   

12306网站启用图形验证码 抢票软件或失效

中新网IT频道发现，铁路订票网站12306.cn启用了图形验证码，用户每次登录12306网站时，除了需要正确输入用户名和密码外，还需要根据文字提示选择正确的图形验证码才能登录成功。 [查看全文]

(ECNS) -- 12306.cn, China's official train ticketing website, has adopted an image recognition CAPTCHA system that requires a user to not only enter a username and password, but also choose the right images according to a clue presented. 

One insider stated that with the new system, one can no longer log into software with plug-ins that allow users to cut ahead of others when buying tickets online. 

A CAPTCHA, short 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 or not the user is real.

12306.cn has been the subject of numerous complaints, particularly around national holidays and Spring Festival, as it is often overwhelmed because of excessive use.

Such problems have spawned the creation of a number of "cut-in-line" services and websites designed to get around the system.