WindCodex SwitchGuard Pro
Overview
SwitchGuard Pro adds enterprise security controls, an audit trail, and enhanced UX to the free SwitchGuard user-switching plugin. It is designed for agencies managing client sites, enterprise WooCommerce stores with large support teams, and SaaS platforms needing controlled impersonation for troubleshooting.
Key additions over the free version:
- Audit log - every switch event is recorded with timestamp, switcher, target, IP, and user-agent.
- Frontend indicator bar - a visible bar across the top of the frontend while switched, configurable in colour and message.
- Floating switch button - quick-search and switch from any admin screen without visiting the user list.
- Per-user grants - delegate switching permission to non-admin roles on a per-user basis.
- Security controls - IP allowlist, locked users, idle timeout, scheduled windows, and re-authentication.
- Notifications - per-switch emails and a weekly summary digest.
Requirements
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| WordPress | 6.0 |
| PHP | 8.1 |
| SwitchGuard Free | Must be installed (not necessarily active) |
| MySQL | 5.7 (for audit log table) |
Free vs. Pro Comparison
| Feature | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| One-click user switching | ✅ | ✅ |
| Role hierarchy enforcement | ✅ | ✅ |
| HMAC-signed cookie security | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart post-switch redirect | ✅ | ✅ |
| User list / order / profile buttons | ✅ | ✅ |
| Admin bar indicator & Switch Back | ✅ | ✅ |
| Audit log with CSV export | ✗ | ✅ |
| Configurable log retention | ✗ | ✅ |
| Frontend switch indicator bar | ✗ | ✅ |
| Customisable bar colour & message | ✗ | ✅ |
| Floating quick-switch button | ✗ | ✅ |
| Per-user switch grants | ✗ | ✅ |
| IP allowlist for switching | ✗ | ✅ |
| Locked users | ✗ | ✅ |
| Idle timeout auto-switch-back | ✗ | ✅ |
| Scheduled switching window | ✗ | ✅ |
| Re-auth for privileged targets | ✗ | ✅ |
| Admin redirect URL override | ✗ | ✅ |
| Per-switch email notifications | ✗ | ✅ |
| Weekly activity digest | ✗ | ✅ |
| Priority support | ✗ | ✅ |