10 Email Privacy Best Practices You Should Follow in 2025
Email remains one of the most vulnerable attack vectors for cybercriminals and data collectors. Following these best practices will help you maintain your privacy and security in the digital age.
1. Use Anonymous Email Addresses for Online Registrations
Why it matters: Every time you share your primary email, you're creating a potential entry point for spam, phishing, and data breaches.
How to implement:
- Use services like Inboxto to create persistent anonymous addresses
- Keep separate addresses for different purposes (shopping, newsletters, social media)
- Star important verification emails for permanent storage
- Never use your primary email for untrusted services
Pro tip: Free users get 3 persistent addresses with 5 permanent starred messages. Premium users enjoy unlimited addresses and unlimited permanent starred storage.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Why it matters: Even if someone gets your email password, 2FA provides an additional security layer.
How to implement:
- Use authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy) instead of SMS
- Enable 2FA on all critical accounts
- Store backup codes securely
- Consider hardware security keys for maximum protection
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Why it matters: Password reuse is one of the most common security vulnerabilities.
How to implement:
- Use a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass)
- Generate random passwords with at least 16 characters
- Never reuse passwords across services
- Change passwords immediately after a data breach
4. Be Suspicious of Phishing Attempts
Why it matters: Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and are the leading cause of data breaches.
How to identify phishing:
- Check sender addresses carefully (look for slight misspellings)
- Hover over links before clicking to see the real destination
- Be wary of urgent requests for personal information
- Verify requests through official channels
Red flags:
- Urgent language ("Your account will be closed!")
- Requests for passwords or sensitive information
- Suspicious attachments
- Generic greetings ("Dear Customer")
- Poor grammar or formatting
5. Encrypt Sensitive Emails
Why it matters: Standard emails are sent in plain text and can be intercepted.
How to implement:
- Use PGP/GPG encryption for highly sensitive communications
- Consider secure email providers (ProtonMail, Tutanota)
- Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps for very sensitive information
- Avoid sending passwords or credit card numbers via email
6. Review and Revoke Third-Party Access
Why it matters: Many apps and services request access to your email, creating additional security risks.
How to implement:
- Regularly audit connected apps in your email settings
- Revoke access for unused or untrusted applications
- Use anonymous email addresses for third-party services
- Read privacy policies before granting access
Google users: Visit myaccount.google.com/permissions
7. Use Email Aliasing and Filtering
Why it matters: Organizing and filtering emails helps identify suspicious activity and manage information flow.
How to implement:
- Create filters to automatically organize incoming mail
- Use plus addressing (yourname+shopping@gmail.com) to track sources
- Set up anonymous addresses for different purposes with Inboxto
- Star important messages for permanent storage
8. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Email Access
Why it matters: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.
How to stay safe:
- Use a VPN when accessing email on public networks
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi
- Use mobile data for truly sensitive operations
- Enable HTTPS-only mode in your browser
9. Regularly Update and Patch
Why it matters: Outdated software contains known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
How to implement:
- Enable automatic updates for your operating system
- Keep your email client and web browser updated
- Update mobile apps regularly
- Replace unsupported software
10. Monitor Your Email Footprint
Why it matters: Understanding where your email appears helps you identify potential breaches and reduce exposure.
How to implement:
- Use services like Have I Been Pwned to check for breaches
- Google your email address periodically to see where it appears
- Set up alerts for your email address
- Use anonymous addresses to limit your exposure
With Inboxto:
- Create separate addresses for different services
- Delete addresses that become compromised
- Star important emails to save them permanently (up to 5 for free, unlimited for Premium)
- Track which services have which addresses
Bonus: Email Privacy Checklist
Use this checklist to audit your email privacy:
- Using anonymous email for online registrations
- 2FA enabled on all important accounts
- Using a password manager with unique passwords
- Regular phishing awareness training
- Encryption enabled for sensitive communications
- Third-party access reviewed and minimized
- Email filters and organization in place
- VPN configured for public Wi-Fi use
- All software and apps updated
- Email footprint monitored regularly
The Role of Anonymous Email in Your Privacy Strategy
Anonymous email addresses are a cornerstone of modern email privacy. Here's how they fit into your overall strategy:
Immediate Benefits
- Spam Protection: Keep spam away from your primary inbox
- Breach Containment: If a service is breached, only that anonymous address is exposed
- Selective Permanence: Star emails you want to keep forever, let others expire
- Easy Cleanup: Delete compromised addresses without affecting your primary email
Long-Term Privacy
Unlike traditional temporary emails, Inboxto's persistent anonymous addresses provide:
- Continuity: Use the same address for long-term subscriptions
- Permanent Storage: Star important messages to save them forever
- Flexibility: Keep addresses as long as you need them
- Control: Delete addresses on your terms
For Businesses and Teams
Email privacy isn't just for individuals. Businesses should:
- Train employees on phishing and security best practices
- Implement email security protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Use anonymous addresses for testing and development
- Create separate addresses for customer support channels
- Enable advanced threat protection
Conclusion
Email privacy in 2025 requires a multi-layered approach. By following these best practices, you significantly reduce your risk of data breaches, identity theft, and privacy violations.
Remember:
- Prevention is easier than remediation: Take these steps before a breach occurs
- Privacy is ongoing: Regularly review and update your practices
- Tools matter: Use services designed for privacy, like Inboxto's anonymous email with permanent starred storage
- Education is key: Stay informed about new threats and best practices
Start implementing these practices today, beginning with anonymous email addresses. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to enhance your email privacy? Create your first anonymous email address at inboxto.app and start protecting your digital identity today.