---
title: Job Board: Application Spam Protection
slug: job-board-application-spam-protection
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-07-02T09:24:37.021Z
---

Ashby's application spam protection verifies submitted job application forms and attempts to detect whether a real candidate is submitting the form or if it might be a bot. This setting lets you adjust the threshold at which Ashby rejects applications.

:::hint{type="warning"}
**Permissions & Prerequisites: **Only those with Organization Admin access can adjust job board theme settings.
:::

To set your protection level:

- Navigate to **Admin > Job Boards > Theme (Job Board)**
  - If you have [Multiple Brands](docId\:jwP6kjsKgGJZAadNNfU5D)  configured, select the brand in question
- Scroll to the Application Spam Protection section at the bottom of the page
- Use the `Protection Level` drop down to set protection level

You can choose from the following options:

- **Strict** — Only use this level as a last resort. Some candidates experience problems submitting their applications.
- **Permissive (Recommended)** — This is the recommended level. You might get spam applications once in a while.
- **Less Permissive** — The chance of getting spam applications is very low. Candidates might experience problems submitting their applications from time to time.
- **No Protection** — Ashby turns off spam protection entirely and accepts all application submissions.

![](https://cdn.zappy.app/4dd09c023db0dc55993cca0eeead6ab7.png)

:::hint{type="info"}
If you receive many spam applications, you can try a stricter setting. A strict setting might cause Ashby to reject applications from actual candidates.
:::

For more information on flagging applications, check out [Candidate Fraud Detection Overview & Admin Settings](docId\:XVeiv6cJCFywtY7538SPl). Looking to limit the number of applications one candidate can submit? Check out [Application Limits](docId\:DTFh2I3HX_EkQBVgwW8FI).