Email Privacy 101: Basic Tips for Keeping Your Email Safe from Hackers and Spammers

Introduction

Every day, millions of emails are compromised by hackers and exploited by spammers. Studies have shown that weak or reused passwords remain a leading cause of breaches and that nearly 1 in 3 data breaches starts with a phishing email. This article provides you with step-by-step email privacy tips that are practical for both personal users and small business owners.

Throughout this guide, we cover best practices such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), recognizing phishing attempts, and using email aliases to protect your real address. Our advice is backed by data from reputable sources like ZDNet and EarthWeb.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Your password is the frontline defense protecting your email account. Unfortunately, studies reveal that common passwords like “123456” can be cracked in less than a second and that over 75% of users reuse the same password across multiple sites. To combat this, create a password that includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

For instance, a passphrase such as “Sunshine!Highway@Cactus2025” is much harder to guess than a simple word. Additionally, consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. According to data from Spacelift, using unique passwords can reduce the risk of a breach dramatically.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even if a hacker manages to obtain your password, two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a second form of verification—such as a code from your smartphone—to grant access. Reports by ZDNet indicate that accounts with 2FA are up to 99.9% less likely to be compromised.

Enabling 2FA on your email account is usually as simple as visiting your account settings. Choose an authenticator app over SMS if possible, as SMS is vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.

Recognize Phishing Attempts

Phishing emails are designed to trick you into divulging sensitive information by masquerading as legitimate communications. They often include urgent messages, mismatched sender addresses, or suspicious links. In fact, research by Keepnet Labs shows that nearly 95% of malware is delivered through phishing.

Always verify the sender's address and look for inconsistencies in the email content before clicking any links. If in doubt, access your account by typing the URL directly into your browser.

Beware of Suspicious Links and Attachments

A single click on a malicious link or the opening of a suspicious attachment can result in malware installation or stolen credentials. Reports have shown that up to 94% of viruses are spread via email attachments. Therefore, it’s vital to verify links by hovering over them to check for the real URL and confirming attachments come from trusted sources.

Never click on links in emails that you were not expecting or that ask for confidential details. Instead, mark them as spam and delete them immediately.

Use Alias Emails for Signups

One of the most effective ways to maintain email privacy is by using disposable email aliases when signing up for websites, newsletters, or any online services. This ensures that your primary email address is not exposed to potential spammers or data breaches.

Services such as ChatOdyssey Relay allow you to generate custom email aliases easily. ChatOdyssey Relay even offers a free trial and is only $4.99/month afterward. With this service, you receive unlimited email relay along with the ability to create custom business email addresses without purchasing and managing your own domain. Moreover, it includes an integrated free phone masking feature (ChatOdyssey Phone Relay) to protect your phone number.

Comparison Table

The table below outlines a comparison of popular email alias and security services. Notice that ChatOdyssey Relay stands out for its free trial and highly competitive pricing of $4.99/month—which includes unlimited email relay, the creation of custom business emails without needing your own domain, and free phone masking (via ChatOdyssey Phone Relay).

Final Thoughts

Protecting your email is about more than just convenience—it’s about safeguarding your personal and professional identity. By using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying vigilant against phishing and suspicious links, you build a solid defense against cybercriminals.

Additionally, using disposable email aliases for signups helps minimize the risk of spam and leakage of personal information. With solutions like ChatOdyssey Relay offering an all-in-one package (including free phone masking via ChatOdyssey Phone Relay), you can enjoy professional-grade protection for a low cost.

Whether you’re a casual user or a small business owner, these email privacy tips are designed to give you peace of mind in an increasingly connected world. Embrace these practices and tools today to ensure your email remains secure and your digital identity stays private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• EarthWeb
• ThreatX
• Spacelift
• ZDNet
• JumpCloud
• Keepnet Labs
• StationX
• Hoxhunt
• ITSasap
• ChatOdyssey Relay
• SimpleLogin
• Firefox Relay (Mozilla)
• DuckDuckGo Email Protection