Fighting Spam and Fake Bot Registrations in Your Store

One of the common problems for OpenCart online store owners is spam and bot registrations, which can lead to various issues negatively affecting the store's operation and profitability. Here are the main threats:

Complicates the analysis of real user behavior.
Increases server load with simultaneous requests.
Costs for processing fake orders (e.g., SMS notifications or preparing products for shipping).

Let's explore three main ways to protect your store from spam and bots.

1. CAPTCHA

CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) helps distinguish real users from automated bots. In OpenCart, you can use the following types of CAPTCHA:

1.1. Google reCAPTCHA v2 includes tests with images or the "I am not a robot" checkbox. To enable it in OpenCart:

Go to the Google reCAPTCHA page and generate keys for your domain.
Activate the module under "Extensions" – "Extensions" – "CAPTCHA".
Insert the generated keys into the module settings.
In "System" – "Settings" – "Options", enable CAPTCHA for the necessary forms.

1.2. Standard OpenCart CAPTCHA. This is a basic CAPTCHA included in the system by default. You can activate it under "Extensions" – "Extensions" – "CAPTCHA", and then enable it in "System" – "Settings" – "Options" for the necessary forms (registration, login, reviews).

1.3. Modules supporting other CAPTCHA services:

YSCaptcha - Yandex SmartCaptcha. Bot Protection

Advantages:

Easy integration.
Highly effective against simple bots.

Disadvantages:

Can annoy users.
Bots with machine learning can bypass it.

2. Ready-made modules to combat spam

OpenCart offers many extensions specifically designed to protect against spam and bots. Here are some popular solutions:

Anti-spam and bot registration protection

Questions from the contact form + anti-spam 2.0

Advantages:

Ready-made solution.

Disadvantages:

Might require customization for your store.

3. Custom store improvements

If ready-made solutions are not suitable or you want to enhance protection, you can make additional improvements:

3.1. Limit the number of requests
Set limits on the number of form submissions within a certain time frame. For example, one IP address cannot submit more than five forms within 10 minutes.

3.2. IP and geolocation filtering
Block access from specific IP addresses or countries that frequently generate spam. You can add such filters in OpenCart using .htaccess, server settings, or modules and services for geolocation filtering.

3.3. Add hidden fields to forms
Hidden fields (honeypots) are invisible to users but are often filled by bots, allowing you to detect automated activity easily.

3.4. Data validation and verification
Ensure that data entered into forms undergoes strict validation, such as checking for correct email addresses or phone numbers.

3.5. SQL injection and XSS attack protection
Spam bots may exploit vulnerabilities in forms. Ensure that your store has protection against SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS). All user-inputted data should be escaped before processing.

3.6. Prohibit sending links through contact forms.

You can do this yourself or hire a specialist, such as Anti-spam for any form on the site.

For effective store protection in OpenCart, it's best to use a comprehensive approach by combining several methods.