# Account Creation Preferences

<p class="callout info">OPSCOM allows administrators to configure user account creation preferences, choosing between immediate auto-login or requiring email verification upon registration. Understanding and setting this preference is crucial for managing your user base effectively, balancing user convenience with security and data integrity needs.</p>

Please refer to the [Registering as a User](https://opscom.wiki/books/OPSCOM-user-portal/page/registering-as-a-user) article for the user-side documentation.

### Setup &amp; Configuration

Account creation preferences are configured within the **User Profile** settings under **System Settings**.

1. Hover over **System Configuration,** then **System Settings,** and click the **User Profile** tab.
2. Toggle the **Auto Login After Register** setting, which controls the account creation flow.

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### Using this Feature

The **Auto Login After Register** setting has two states, each with distinct implications for user experience and system security:

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Immediate Login (Auto Login After Register: ON)</span>

- **Configuration**: Toggle the **Auto Login After Register** setting to **ON**.
- **Behavior**: This method allows users to instantly access their account immediately upon completing registration, without requiring them to verify their email address.
- **Reasons to Use**: 
    - **Limited Email Access**: Ideal for scenarios where users might not have immediate access to their email, such as in kiosk setups or for individuals without constant mobile email access.
    - **Reduced Friction**: Provides a smoother, quicker onboarding experience, especially if your target audience is less tech-savvy or if you aim to minimize any barriers to entry.

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Email Verification (Auto Login After Register: OFF)</span>

- **Configuration**: Toggle the **Auto Login After Register** setting to **OFF**.
- **Behavior**: This method requires users to click a unique verification link sent to their registered email address before they can fully access their account.
- **Reasons to Use**: 
    - **Verifying Legitimate Users**: This is generally the **preferred method** as it immediately confirms that the registration originates from a real user with a valid email address, significantly reducing bot registrations or fake accounts.
    - **Account Security and Recovery**: Email verification establishes a reliable communication channel crucial for secure password resets, account recovery procedures, and sending important notifications, thereby enhancing overall account security.
    - **Maintaining Data Integrity**: By ensuring valid email addresses from the outset, you improve the quality and accuracy of your user data in the system.

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### <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">Best Practices &amp; Considerations</span>

- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Balance Security and Convenience**: Carefully weigh the trade-offs between user convenience (immediate login) and enhanced security/data integrity (email verification) based on your organization's risk tolerance and user base.</span>
- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Communication**: Clearly inform users about the account creation process, especially if email verification is required. Provide instructions on checking spam folders for verification emails.</span>
- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Email Deliverability**: If using email verification, ensure your system's email sending configurations are robust to guarantee that verification emails are delivered promptly and reliably.</span>
- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Target Audience Analysis**: Consider the technical literacy and typical access methods of your target audience when deciding on the preferred setting.</span>
- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Compliance**: Some data privacy regulations may implicitly favor email verification as it contributes to better data quality and user consent verification.</span>