Pointer movement modelling for entity classification

Abstract

Techniques are disclosed relating to determining whether to authorize a requested action based on whether an entity is an automated computer. In some embodiments, a computer system tracks, at a user interface of a computing device, a sequence of pointer movements. The computer system maps, based on coordinate locations of pointer movements in the sequence, respective movements in the sequence to a plurality of functional areas. Based on the mapping, the computer system generates a movement graph and determines, based on the movement graph, whether an entity associated with the sequence of pointer movements is an automated computer. In response to receiving a request to authorize an action at the computing device, the computer system generates, based on the determining, an authorization decision for the action and transmits the authorization decision to the computing device. Determining whether the entity is an automated computer may advantageously prevent fraudulent activity.