From creating social media accounts and making online purchases to signing up for newsletters and accessing free content, you most likely give out your email address to third parties quite frequently. While doing so may seem inconsequential, your email address is a gateway to your digital lifestyle, which means it can reveal a lot more about you than you may realize.
Here are some of the top reasons you should stay cautious while sharing your email address with others.
1. Avoiding phishing attacks
Did you know cybercriminals send more than 3 billion phishing emails every day?
The internet is flooded with malicious actors seeking to exploit the personal information of unsuspecting victims. By giving out your email address to people you don’t know, you could be opening yourself to the possibility of getting inundated by spam and phishing attacks. These unsolicited emails will not only clog up your inbox but also pose significant risks to your online privacy and security.
Unfortunately, phishing continues to be one of the most common cybercrimes worldwide. It involves cybercriminals using fraudulent messages to spread malware or trick unsuspecting users into revealing sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information. However, by guarding your email address and limiting its exposure, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to such attacks.
You can also check out our detailed blog on how to spot common red flags in phishing emails for more information.
2. Prevent identity theft
Most people use the same email address to set up numerous online accounts, ranging from social media platforms to banking services. If this email address falls into the wrong hands, it could make it extremely easy for malicious actors to take over your personal accounts and jeopardize your online identity, causing severe emotional distress and financial losses.
While you might think your email address is secure on these third-party platforms, the reality is quite different. In fact, if a hacker gains access to your personal email address, they could use it to unlock your critical accounts at an alarming speed. To put things into perspective, according to a report from Javelin Strategy & Research, account takeover incidents increased by a whopping 90% in 2021. It resulted in total losses of over $11.4 billion.
By safeguarding your email address, you can build an essential layer of protection against identity theft and unauthorized access. Using unique passwords for each online account and enabling two-factor authentication where possible can help you bolster your account security further.
3. Maintaining control over personal information
Sharing your email address with every website or service that asks for it can lead to an overwhelming loss of control over your personal information. Don’t forget that companies often use email addresses for targeted advertising and may share or sell your data to third parties without your knowledge or consent.
There is no denying that data privacy is among the top concern among online users in the digital age. In fact, a 2021 study showed that nearly 80% of Americans are concerned about the amount of data companies collect about them. Nevertheless, by limiting the distribution of your email address, you can exercise more control over who has access to your personal information. It will also reduce the chances of receiving intrusive and irrelevant advertisements while minimizing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized data sharing.
Read more: 4-game changing cybersecurity products to prevent data breaches
4. Minimizing email overload
Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by a never-ending stream of promotional emails, newsletters, and updates from various sources? By being selective about sharing your email address, you can significantly reduce the amount of clutter in your inbox, allowing you to focus on essential messages and tasks.
According to a recent study by The Radicati Group, there are an average of 347.3 billion sent and received per day in 2023, marking a 4.3% increase from the last year. Interestingly, this figure is expected to further increase in 2024, possibly reaching 361.6 billion.
With such a staggering volume, it’s no wonder that people struggle to manage their emails effectively. Therefore, limiting the exposure of your email address can help prevent unnecessary messages, keeping your inbox organized and stress-free.
5. Protection against data breaches
Did you know that more than 6 million data records were exposed through data breaches in the first three months of 2023?
Data breaches have become alarmingly common in recent years, with even large corporations and government agencies falling victim to these cyberattacks. When you share your email address with multiple entities, you increase the likelihood of it being part of a data breach, exposing your personal information to potential misuse.
It is also worth mentioning that these data breaches can lead to financial fraud and identity theft, resulting in losses worth billions of dollars. However, by being cautious about providing your email address, you can mitigate the risk of it ending up in the wrong hands due to a data breach.
Read more: 5 crucial steps to protect your business from data breaches
How to keep your email address private?
Keeping your email address safe is crucial for maintaining your digital security.
Here are some pointers to help you protect your email address:
Be cautious with sharing: Only provide your email address to trusted sources. Moreover, refrain from sharing it on public forums, social media, or unknown websites.
Use a reliable VPN: Consider using a reputable VPN such as PureVPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data while using public networks or accessing email from different locations.
Use strong passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for your email accounts. You can also use an advanced password manager such as PureKeep to enhance your online privacy.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your digital lifestyle by enabling 2FA for your email account. This would require potential hackers to gain access to a verification code in addition to your stolen password.
Beware of phishing emails: Stay vigilant of phishing and malware attacks by avoiding suspicious links and attachments in emails. Make sure to verify the sender’s email address and refrain from sharing personal information through email.
Avoid public WiFi for sensitive tasks: While convenient, public networks can be a hazard to your email security. So, unless you are using a VPN to boost online privacy, refrain from accessing your email or logging in to your account using public WiFi.
Secure your devices: Ensure that your devices are protected with passcodes or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
Review app permissions: Regularly review the permissions granted to apps on your devices, as some may have access to your email contacts or data.
Use disposable email addresses: Consider using disposable email addresses to avoid exposing your primary email to potential spam while signing up for newsletters or less critical services.
Stay informed: Most importantly up-to-date about the latest email security best practices, and educate your loved one to ensure their safety as well.
By following these tips and staying mindful of your email security, you can significantly reduce the risk of your email address falling into the wrong hands and protect your digital footprint.
For more information on how to protect your online privacy and security, stay connected to PureVPN Blog.
Read more: Mastering social media privacy: Effective strategies to block tracking
