Safeguarding Your Sweepstakes: How the Votigo Engineering Team Combats Bots, Fraud, and Bad Actors
In the dynamic landscape of online promotions, ensuring the integrity and fairness of sweepstakes is paramount. At Votigo, we understand the critical importance of protecting our clients’ promotions from malicious activities. That’s why our dedicated software engineering team is taking proactive measures to ensure that bots, fraud, and bad actors are kept at bay. Here’s a closer look at how we’re fortifying our defenses:
Implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and One-Time Passwords (OTP)
Two of the most effective tools in our arsenal are Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and One-Time Passwords (OTP). By adding an additional layer of security, these methods significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and fraudulent activities. They ensure that only genuine participants can enter and engage with your sweepstakes.
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Utilizing Amazon Web Application Firewall (WAF) Features
Our team leverages the powerful features of Amazon Web Application Firewall (WAF) to bolster security:
– Flagging VPNs, Proxies, and Hosting Provider IPs: We actively flag IP addresses associated with VPNs, proxies, and hosting providers, ensuring they are scrutinized more closely.
– Rate Limiting: We have implemented a rate limit of 200 requests per IP every five minutes. This helps to prevent automated systems from bombarding our servers.
– Geo-Restriction: Upon request, we can restrict access based on geographical locations, further refining the scope of allowed participants.
– Captcha Implementation: For IPs identified as potential threats, we deploy Amazon’s human captcha to filter out automated submissions.
Advanced IP Monitoring and Custom Scripts
Our security measures extend beyond standard protocols:
– IP Subnet Abuse Detection: We utilize custom scripts to monitor specific IP subnets, identifying patterns of abuse. For instance, we recently detected multiple ranges being used by a suspicious entity known as Server Destroyers LLC.
– Manual Checks and Script-Based Analysis: Our team continuously develops and refines scripts based on our learnings. This includes identifying unusual patterns in First Name-Last Name-Date of Birth (FN-LN-DOB) combinations, detecting variations of similar addresses (e.g., Ave, Avenue, St, Street), and flagging rapid submissions from a single IP within a short time frame.
ReCaptcha: An Additional Layer
While traditional ReCaptcha might be less effective against sophisticated threats, it still serves as a valuable additional layer of security, deterring less advanced automated attacks.
Commitment to Ongoing Security Enhancements
At Votigo, our commitment to safeguarding your sweepstakes is unwavering. We continuously monitor, analyze, and adapt our strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats. Our engineering team works tirelessly to ensure that your promotions remain fair, secure, and enjoyable for all genuine participants.
By implementing these robust security measures, we aim to provide our clients with peace of mind, knowing that their sweepstakes are protected against bots, fraud, and bad actors. As the digital landscape evolves, so do our defenses, ensuring that your promotions remain a safe and rewarding experience for your audience.
For more information on how we can help secure your sweepstakes, feel free to reach out to us. Let’s work together to create a secure and engaging promotional experience!
