If your web application has public-facing API endpoints, such as contact forms, support requests, or login pages, bot traffic can quickly become a serious problem. When unchecked, automated API calls can:
- Overload your server and database, and potentially crashing your website
- Slow down the app for real users
- Trigger unnecessary workflows (e.g., support tickets)
- Inflate operational costs
- Skew analytics and decision-making
To maintain a seamless and secure experience for users, it’s critical to implement bot detection and prevention strategies using tools like filters and rate limiting, reCAPTCHA, and firewalls.
OPTION 1: Block Bot Traffic Using IP Filters and Rate Limiting
This is the simplest and most direct method. You can use custom logic or server-level configurations to block suspicious IP addresses or limit excessive API calls.
Pros:
- Easy to implement
- Useful for blocking basic, unsophisticated bots
- Can be combined with user behavior heuristics
Cons:
- IP addresses can be spoofed indefinitely when blocked
- Legitimate users behind shared IPs may be misclassified
- Filtering happens on the app server, adding potential load when under attack by bots
Best for:
Low- to medium-scale bots where performance impact is minimal.
Common Solutions:
- Custom logic in application code
- Web server configs (Apache/Nginx)
- WordPress anti-bot plugins
OPTION 2: Add reCAPTCHA for External Verification
Google reCAPTCHA is a powerful, low-latency way to distinguish between real users and bots. It integrates seamlessly into modern apps, with minimal user friction. For WordPress, it’s usually done through a plugin and requires a secret and site key from Google.
Implementation Models:
1. Inline Server Verification
- Verifies reCAPTCHA tokens inside the main application process
- Suitable for most small to medium apps
2. Dedicated Verification Server
- Offloads verification to a separate microservice
- Ideal for high-volume apps where bot traffic is impacting server performance
Pros:
- Highly effective against bot traffic
- Minimal impact on user experience (mostly invisible to users)
- Scalable architecture options
Cons:
- Still relies on your server (unless offloaded)
OPTION 3: Use Firewalls & Network-Level Protection
For enterprise-level protection, web application firewalls (WAFs) and network filtering services offer robust defense against bot attacks and DDoS attempts.
These services act as a protective layer before any traffic hits your application server, blocking bots before they reach your website.
Pros:
- Blocks bot traffic before it hits your app or website
- Reduces server load
- Centralized rule management
- High detection rates for sophisticated bots
Cons:
- Premium solutions can be costly
- Self-hosted options require ongoing maintenance
Popular Services:
Summary: Choose the Right Tool for Your App or Website
| Method | Best Use Case | Key Benefit |
| IP Blocking + Rate Limiting | Small-scale apps & simple bot traffic | Easy to implement |
| reCAPTCHA | General apps, public forms | Smart filtering, low user friction |
| Firewall / WAF | Enterprise-level apps, high bot volume | Blocks traffic before server access |
Final Thoughts
Securing your application against bot traffic isn’t just a best practice; it’s essential for performance, user trust, and business continuity. Combining tools like reCAPTCHA, rate limiting, and a robust firewall gives your app multi-layered protection.
If your website or app is being bogged down by bot traffic, we can help! Contact Uplancer today for a free consultation.
