Embrace Passwordless for E-Commerce

In our hyper-connected digital era, where online shopping is an integral part of our lives, the cumbersome process of creating and managing passwords has become a significant roadblock for e-commerce platforms. A study by NordPass reveals that a typical internet user juggles between 70 to 80 different passwords, highlighting the complexity users face in managing their online identities. It’s high time we explore more convenient and secure alternatives to passwords to enhance the online shopping experience.

Imagine signing up for e-commerce websites with the same ease and simplicity you experience when unlocking your mobile device using facial recognition or a finger swipe. The prospect is intriguing, practical and when done correctly, more secure. Biometric authentication could potentially revolutionize the way we interact with online platforms, particularly in the realm of e-commerce.

One of the costly issues faced by e-commerce sites is shopping cart abandonment, which accounts for a staggering $18 billion in lost revenue annually. A significant portion of this abandonment stems from the cumbersome process of creating a password during the checkout process. When users are prompted to create an account with a password, especially when they are trying to complete their transaction, friction is introduced. This friction can discourage potential customers, leading them to opt for a guest checkout and even abandon their carts.

The consequences of this friction extend beyond lost sales. E-commerce platforms miss out on the opportunity to build customer loyalty and gather valuable customer data for tailored marketing strategies. When users opt for guest checkouts, companies lose the chance to personalize their outreach and marketing efforts. Marketing is all about understanding your audience, and the more information a company has about its users, the better they can target and engage prospective customers effectively. Studies show that users who create accounts have a 10% higher average order value.

What if e-commerce websites offered an alternative solution to the traditional password setup, allowing users to employ biometrics for authentication in the form of “one-step checkout” so that customers don’t have to enter their information repeatedly? Passwordless authentication that utilizes biometrics, such as touch ID and Face ID can provide a seamless and secure user experience. No need for complex passwords! Additionally, implementing FIDO-based Passkey authentication solutions, like those offered by Nok Nok, can protect users from the most common type of attack – phishing – making it extremely difficult for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to accounts. This proactive approach to security not only benefits customers but also strengthens the credibility and trustworthiness of e-commerce platforms.

By embracing passwordless authentication solutions, e-commerce platforms can simplify the onboarding process leading to increased account creation and reduced cart abandonment rates. The seamless experience would encourage users to complete their purchases, engage more often and potentially foster long-term relationships, leading to increased revenue and enhanced customer loyalty.

It’s evident that the traditional method of creating and managing passwords is outdated and cumbersome, particularly in the fast-paced world of e-commerce. Implementing FIDO-based passkey authentication can be a game-changer, providing users with a more convenient and secure means of accessing e-commerce sites. It’s time for the industry to embrace these innovative authentication methods and elevate the online shopping experience for everyone.