In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, a WooCommerce store owner selling online courses wanted to include passwords in confirmation emails to grant customers instant access.
However, sending passwords in plain text presents significant security and GDPR compliance risks.
Here’s a guide to securely providing direct access without compromising customer data, including passwordless options and alternatives to traditional logins.
Option 1: Passwordless Login with Magic Links
Instead of sending passwords, consider using passwordless login links. This approach grants secure, direct access without needing to store or send passwords. Tools like the Passwordless Login plugin for WordPress generate unique login links sent directly to the customer’s email. The link allows them to log in without a password, providing seamless access.
- Install Passwordless Login Plugin: This plugin allows you to set up magic links that expire after a set time, adding an extra layer of security.
- Customize Confirmation Email: Include the login link in the order confirmation email, so customers can directly access their course without having to set or remember a password.
- Pros: High security, user-friendly, no need to store passwords.
- Cons: Requires setting up the plugin and configuring email templates.
Option 2: Custom Login with Single Sign-On (SSO)
If you need a more robust, scalable option, setting up Single Sign-On (SSO) can allow customers to access their course with credentials they already use, such as Google or Microsoft.
- Install an SSO Plugin: Use a plugin like WP SAML Auth or WordPress Social Login for integration with popular SSO providers.
- Include SSO Links in Emails: Customize the order confirmation email to guide customers on logging in via their chosen provider.
- Pros: Familiar login experience for users, improved security, avoids password management.
- Cons: More complex to set up, may require an SSO provider account.
Option 3: Send Password Reset Link in Confirmation Email
Another approach is to send a password reset link in the confirmation email. While less instant than the previous methods, it aligns with WooCommerce’s built-in password handling for better security.
- Customize WooCommerce Email Template: Add a password reset link to the confirmation email.
- Direct Users to Reset Password: Users can set their password before accessing the course, which complies with security standards and avoids storing or sending plaintext passwords.
Example email text:
“Click here to set your password and access your course.”
- Pros: Compliant with GDPR, simple setup.
- Cons: Adds an extra step for users but ensures secure access.
Conclusion
For online course sellers, secure and seamless access is key. Options like passwordless login links, SSO, or password reset links offer secure alternatives to sending plaintext passwords, enhancing both user experience and security. By implementing one of these solutions, you can protect customer data while providing convenient access to purchased courses.
