Create an anonymous email to keep your identity safe

by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert

     By now, I hope you've figured out social media, search engines, and everyone, in general, is trying to collect as much information as they can about you. Privacy online is a hard thing to have in this digital world.
     Having a separate, anonymous email address is one of the best ways to keep a low profile online. When you have an anonymous email, it helps reduce the amount of spam you get in your inbox. It also allows you to shop online with electronic and brick-and-mortar stores and sign up for digital membership services without them collecting information about you or trying to sell you things you don't need.
     Also if you're dating online, it's best to have an email that can't be traced back to you. Check out these quick and easy tips to stay anonymous online.

     1. Setup a Fake Account with a Free Email Service.
     When people consider setting up a fake or anonymous email account, they usually turn to a free email service such as Yahoo, Outlook.com, Gmail, or one provided by their Internet service provider and why wouldn't you?  You can create countless email addresses with these services, but are you doing it right?  Check out these steps to make sure you're keeping your identity safe.
     Use fake details. For starters, create an email address that isn't tied to you in any way.  Avoid using your real first name or last name. Also, avoid using an email address that can be tied to your hobbies or interests. All free email account services require you to put in personal information like your name, date of birth, and sometimes address. 
     You're probably thinking since your email name isn't tied to you, no one can find out who you are. Well, if you're entering your home address, it won't take someone long to put two and two together. Finally,  don’t use any details in your password or security questions that someone could link to you either.
     Create an anonymous phone number. Some free email services, like Gmail, also ask for a phone number to set up 2 step verification for your new account. You can't just enter in a set of numbers, because your free email account service will call the number to verify it is real. Your best option is a virtual number when you set up new, anonymous email accounts. Services like Google Voice and WhatsApp let you set up free virtual numbers that can be used to keep your smartphone number safe.  
     Enable Your browser's private mode for added protection. Many of the websites you visit track your cookies and keep a note of which IP address you're located. All browsers have an "incognito" or "InPrivate" mode that you can enable to keep them from tracking your cookies. 
     As far as a VPN, consider switching to Opera (www.opera.com) or Tor (www.torproject.org).  These excellent browsers allow you to block your cookies as well as use the built-in VPN to keep your location safe.

     2. Use an Anonymous Email Service.
     It might take a little more effort, but the best way to keep your online identity safe is to use an anonymous email service. Most of these free services allow you to create an account that is separate from you. As an added bonus, email services encrypt your mail so no one can snoop with what's in your messages.
     Mailfence. Mailfence is based out of Belgian which puts your email under the protection of their privacy laws and not the laws of the US. This service allows you to send and receive emails anonymously.  There are no third-party trackers or ads like you see in other free email services.  Your emails are encrypted so no one can read what you've sent.
     ProtonMail. ProtonMail is based out of Switzerland which means your email is protected by its privacy laws. This means your email is protected even if law enforcement or a government agency wants access to it ProtonMail is usually the popular choice because it's available from any web browser or smart device.
     Using anonymous email is a great way to keep your identity safe online as well as to cut down that annoying spam that you get in your inbox.  If you don't want to take the time to create a new email, you can keep your email safe by making sure you don't share your email with everyone and don't sign up for any online services that require your email.  

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone.
     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.