What is AWS WAF Captcha / Bot Control?
AWS WAF Bot Control and CAPTCHA are features of AWS WAF that protect web applications from automated bot attacks. Bot Control detects and classifies bot traffic, while CAPTCHA verifies suspicious requests through interactive challenges.
Bot Control is available as a managed rule group in AWS WAF and requires no dedicated infrastructure. The solution distinguishes between useful bots like search engine crawlers and malicious bots like content scrapers or credential stuffers.
Core Features
- Bot Classification: Automatic detection and categorization of bot traffic based on signals like HTTP headers and behavioral patterns
- CAPTCHA Integration: Configurable CAPTCHA challenges directly in WAF rules without application changes
- Targeted Bot Control: Detection of intelligent bots that simulate browsers through behavioral analysis and machine learning
- Bot Scoring: Confidence levels for requests enable differentiated responses instead of binary block decisions
- Silent Challenge: JavaScript-based browser verification without visible CAPTCHA for better user experience
Typical Use Cases
Account Takeover Prevention: Credential stuffing attacks are detected and blocked before reaching login endpoints. Bot Control Targeted also detects attackers simulating human behavior.
Content Scraping Protection: E-commerce sites and content platforms protect their data from automated scraping. Bot Control identifies scrapers even when using rotating IP addresses.
Inventory Hoarding: Online shops prevent bots from adding inventory to carts and blocking real customers. CAPTCHA challenges at checkout stop automated purchases.
Benefits
- Immediately deployable as a managed rule group without custom development
- Differentiation between desirable and undesirable bots
- CAPTCHA integration without application changes
- Continuous updates to bot signatures by AWS
Integration with innFactory
As an AWS Reseller, innFactory supports you with AWS WAF Bot Control: WAF rule design, bot mitigation strategy, CAPTCHA integration, and monitoring of bot traffic patterns.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWS WAF Bot Control?
AWS WAF Bot Control is a managed rule group for AWS WAF that detects and controls automated bot traffic. It distinguishes between desirable bots (e.g., search engine crawlers) and undesirable bots (e.g., scrapers, credential stuffers).
How does AWS WAF Captcha work?
AWS WAF Captcha presents suspicious users with a CAPTCHA puzzle before they can access protected resources. CAPTCHAs are configured directly in WAF rules and require no changes to the application.
What does Bot Control cost?
Bot Control Common costs approximately $10 per month plus $1 per million requests. Bot Control Targeted (for intelligent bots) costs approximately $10 per month plus $10 per million requests. CAPTCHA attempts are charged additionally.