If it feels like you’re constantly being asked for your email address whenever you do anything online, it’s because you are. Using your personal email every time you sign up for anything on the internet isn’t just annoying, it’s an invasion of your privacy, too. Whether you’re trying out a new service, subscribing to a newsletter, or just want to get that extra 10% off at checkout, you may have considered using a one time email service — especially if you’re concerned about your privacy.

According to the New York Times, an email address can tell a company way more about you(nowe okno) than you think. “It can be linked to other data, including where you went to school, the make and model of the car you drive, and your ethnicity,” the article states.

Using a one time email is a tempting solution. It’s quick and anonymous and keeps your identity private when signing up for a new website, or for just avoiding spam altogether. But you might not realize that one time email services tend to fall short when it comes to security. 

In this article, we’ll discuss why one time email services aren’t secure, the risks involved when you use a disposable email service, and an easy, safer alternative to temporary email providers. 

What are ‘one time’ email services?

One time email services — also known as disposable email, burner email, or ghost email — are email providers that allow users to create a temporary email address that expires after one use, or after a short period of time. Some examples include 10 Minute Mail, Email On Deck, TempMail, and Burnermail.

The risks of using a ‘one time’ email address

Lack of authentication and password protection

Most one time email services don’t require passwords or user authentication, so if someone knows your ghost email address, they can potentially access the inbox and read your messages. If you use a burner email for password reset links, confirmation codes, or any sensitive information, someone else could have access to all of your data without you knowing.

Public inboxes

Most disposable email services use public inboxes, which, as stated above, means anyone can read your email if they have access to your temporary email address. While one time email services are generally advertised as a safe way to use the internet with more privacy, this is especially dangerous if you’re using a disposable email address to make purchases, sign up for government services, or anything else that typically requires more security. In this case, your financial and personal information could be accessed by virtually anyone.

No encryption or data protection policies

Disposable email providers rarely implement end-to-end encryption (E2EE) or adhere to data protection laws, which are essential for keeping your identity and data safe. Without E2EE, like the kind employed by Proton Mail, your emails are highly vulnerable to hackers, data leaks, and misuse. 

Blocked email domains

Hackers and cybercriminals often use one time email services. Because of this, many websites are aware of the risk these email domains pose and automatically block them. If you need to send an important email, a one time email service might not actually be able to deliver your message, leaving your message undelivered or lost in transit.

Aliases: A better alternative to one time email

If privacy is your concern but you still want more control and security, consider using an email alias.

Proton Mail is a fully end-to-end encrypted email service that, in addition to keeping your email messages private, allows users to create email aliases to shield their personal email address. This safe and secure email tool is a convenient way to keep your identity private without using a one time email service.

An alias is a unique, alternate email address that forwards emails to your main inbox. When you sign up for Proton, you can create aliases — or generate them randomly — to protect your real email address from being disclosed or leaked. 

Privacy comes first with Proton

While disposable email services might seem convenient in the moment, they aren’t a secure way of protecting your identity — and using them can be risky if you accidentally disclose any personal information.

If you value your online privacy and data integrity, forgo one time email services and choose a safer option that protects your email privacy without compromising security.

In addition to aliases, Proton Mail is end-to-end encrypted, meaning that your emails are always secure, whether in transit or at rest. Proton also protects your personal information from data brokers, preventing companies from monitoring your every move on the internet. With Proton, you can get the benefits of anonymity by using the hide-my-email alias feature, while also knowing that the contents of your emails are always safe, no matter what.

Switching to Proton has never been easier

You don’t have to take a gamble on your privacy. Proton Mail’s end-to-end encryption ensures that you, and only you, can see your emails. Even when using an alias, your email is secure — not even Proton can view the content of your emails and attachments.

Ready to put your privacy first? With Easy Switch, you can get started right away. Quickly migrate your emails, contacts, and calendars to Proton Mail — and still use an email alias whenever you want to protect your personal email address from being discovered. 

When you sign up for Proton, you’re not just signing up for another email provider — you’re joining a privacy-focused movement that protects more than 100 million people and businesses from having their data mined every single day.

It’s just one of the many ways that Proton is working toward a better internet for everyone, everywhere.