Fragmenting digital identities with aliases offers added security
Email aliases are emerging as a simple, effective way to limit tracking and reduce risks from widespread data breaches.
People often treat their email address as harmless, just a digital ID for receipts and updates. In reality, it acts as a skeleton key linking behaviour, purchases, and personal data across platforms.
Using the same email everywhere makes tracking easy. Companies may encrypt addresses, but behavioural patterns remain intact. Aliases disrupt this chain by creating unique addresses that forward mail without revealing your true identity.
Each alias becomes a useful tracker. If one is compromised or starts receiving spam, it can simply be disabled, cutting off the problem at its source.
Aliases also reduce the fallout of data breaches. Instead of exposing your main email to countless third-party tools, scripts, and mailing platforms, an alias shields your core digital identity.
Beyond privacy, aliases encourage healthier habits. They force a pause before signing up, add structure through custom rules, and help fragment your identity, thereby lowering the risks associated with any single breach.
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