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Imagine for a second that you’ve got just one key.
That’s right, just a single key that unlocks your house, your car, your garage, your safe deposit box—everything.
Now, picture what would happen if that key fell into the wrong hands. Some hoodlum can now drive off in your car, help themselves to the snacks in your kitchen, and maybe even find that embarrassing journal you’ve hidden away in the back of the closet.
Terrifying, right?
Well, here’s the kicker: this is exactly what most people are doing with their email.
I bet you use the same email address for everything—your bank accounts, health records, and that gardening advice newsletter (even though you’ve killed every plant you’ve owned!).
And if someone does get into your email? They could reset your banking passwords, snoop around in your health info, and maybe even get you signed up for a few new (unwanted) subscriptions. And, as you’ll learn below, that’s not the only risk.
The good news is there’s a simple solution I use that makes this a whole lot safer: creating a separate email address just for your sensitive accounts.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—”Ugh, another email to check?“
But stick with me here because I’m about to rock your world (for the better!). You’ll soon be wondering why you hadn’t done this sooner!
So, let’s take a look at why creating a separate email address for sensitive accounts makes a whole lotta sense!
If you’ve had the same email address since the internet was born, it’s probably everywhere by now.
You’ve likely used it for newsletters, online shopping, and maybe even to follow that sweet grandkid of yours on social media.
But email is like glitter at a craft party… the more you use it, the more it spreads. And that gives bad guys (aka hackers) more chances to get their grubby little hands it.
By creating a separate email just for your important stuff—like your bank or doctor—you can keep it out of the hacker’s spotlight.
Because fewer people know about this email, it’s less likely to fall into the wrong hands.
Ever try to dig through 199 junk emails to find the one important message you need? It’s like digging through your junk drawer to find the takeout menu for that Chinese joint in town (you know, the one with the really good dumplings).
When you create a separate email for your sensitive accounts, you won’t have to wade through all that clutter. Your bank statements and healthcare updates will go straight to the top, with no coupon codes or spam to distract you.
You’ll actually see the important stuff when it comes in. Imagine that!
A separate email means better organization. Your inbox will look cleaner than a freshly wiped kitchen counter. All those vital emails from your bank or insurance company will be in one place, making it easier to find and keep track of them.
That means no more panicked searches when you need to find out whether your health insurance covers that latest doctor’s visit or if the bank sent you a notice about something important.
Every time you use your regular email to sign up for something new, you’re giving that company a chance to lose your data. (Data breaches are WAY more common than people think!)
But if you use a separate email for just your sensitive accounts, you reduce the chances of it being exposed in one of those breaches.
With a dedicated email for your important accounts, you can give that account some extra love in the security department.
Set up two-factor authentication (2FA), which just means you’ll need your phone or another device to confirm your login. It’s like adding an extra lock on your door—makes you feel a little safer, doesn’t it?
And if you really want to go the extra mile, you can use an email provider known for security—like ProtonMail—for that account. That way, you’re not just locking the front door; you’re putting a security system on it, too.
(By the way, I use ProtonMail for this exact reason. I’d highly recommend you sign up for at least a free account with them. If you want to know why I love them so much, check out this article.)
So, is having an extra email account a bit of a hassle? Maybe a little. But when it comes to your money, health, and personal info, it’s worth the effort.
In fact, can you keep a secret?
I’ve got way more than 2 email addresses to help keep my data safer (with my paid ProtonMail account, I can create up to 15 email addresses to use for different things).
I’ve got one for personal stuff, one for financial and health, one for government-related matters, and a few others for special use cases.
But you don’t have to go crazy like me!
Just start by setting up at least one extra email address for those important accounts.
You’ll be more organized, less stressed, and most importantly—safer from those pesky hackers and spammers!