[digidaze]

Is it possible to determine how data was entered into a webpage form?

For example. Say I entered a contest using Roboform. Is it possible for the contest organizers to know that? Can they determine if data was input manually or with Roboform?

Thanks

[macosxnerd101]

To what ends are you interested in this? Why would you need to automate form input?

Also, is there a Java question here?

[digidaze]

macosxnerd101, on 27 December 2012 - 08:51 PM, said:

To what ends are you interested in this? Why would you need to automate form input?

Also, is there a Java question here?

I need to know how to determine if field data was entered manually ( actually typing it in) or using a script/program. Roboform is a program that automates form entry. I need to know how to recognize it when it is used on a webpage form.

Thanks

[macosxnerd101]

There really isn't a good way to tell. If someone is spamming or cheating, it's easy to tell that from the database entries.

Again- is there a Java related question here?

[macosxnerd101]

Since I haven't gotten a response to my question about this being a Java topic, I'm going to move this to Web Development.

[macosxnerd101]

Thinking about this some more, you could use a CAPTCHA to prevent programs from auto-submitting forms.
http://www.dreaminco...istration-form/
http://www.dreaminco...snippet3567.htm

[digidaze]

macosxnerd101, on 27 December 2012 - 11:13 PM, said:

Thinking about this some more, you could use a CAPTCHA to prevent programs from auto-submitting forms.
http://www.dreaminco...istration-form/
http://www.dreaminco...snippet3567.htm

I don't want to prevent it. Is there any way to determine if a form was auto-submitted as opposed to manually typed and submitted?

[macosxnerd101]

Not really. If you don't want to prevent it, why does it matter?

[digidaze]

macosxnerd101, on 27 December 2012 - 11:27 PM, said:

Not really. If you don't want to prevent it, why does it matter?

Because the rules of the contest entry (form) don't allow auto-submissions. The entry (form) has to be manually entered. If the form webpage loads and submits in one or two seconds then that would be an indication of an auto-submission. Is that the only way to determine? Time it.

[macosxnerd101]

Are you trying to submit to a contest? If so, why not just submit it manually.

If you are running the contest and it prohibits auto-entry, why not just use a captcha to prevent automated entry? Catching spammers is easy if they keep spamming or submitting affiliate links. Catching cheaters follows the same path.

[digidaze]

macosxnerd101, on 27 December 2012 - 11:36 PM, said:

Are you trying to submit to a contest? If so, why not just submit it manually.

If you are running the contest and it prohibits auto-entry, why not just use a captcha to prevent automated entry? Catching spammers is easy if they keep spamming or submitting affiliate links. Catching cheaters follows the same path.

If it is not possible to detect the auto-submission entries on the server-side then just say so. If a form looks and behaves the same whether it was manually input or submitted using a program just say so. If you are not sure then say so. We have our reasons for asking.

[macosxnerd101]

Quote

If it is not possible to detect the auto-submission entries on the server-side then just say so. If a form looks and behaves the same whether it was manually input or submitted using a program just say so.

I believe I did on all three counts. I'm also trying to offer helpful alternatives and other things for you to consider, so as to best help you achieve your end goal.

Quote

We have our reasons for asking.

Yes, and you seem quite unwilling to share what you're trying to accomplish. Often times, when someone tells us what they are trying to accomplish, we can best direct them to what they need. But if you aren't interested in us helping, feel free to say that as well, because that's frankly how it's coming across.

Really, this reeks of a script kiddie trying to scam something. It doesn't make sense that one would be interested in making sure others aren't cheating, but uninterested in implementing such measures. As such, I'm going to close the thread. Shoot me a PM if you have any further questions or if I am mistaken in your intents.