Guide to Smartphones Part 21: Countering Email Vampires

In the digital age, emails have become an integral part of our lives, serving as a platform for personal communication, online shopping, and professional interactions. However, with this convenience comes the risk of data leakage and potential phishing attacks. Here are some simple strategies to help you safeguard your privacy.

Firstly, be wary of clicking on links in emails. These can lead to unwanted data collection or phishing attempts. To minimize this risk, consider setting your email inbox to display messages in text format instead of HTML. This simple change can help obscure your data.

Another effective measure is to avoid automatically loading external images in your emails. This can prevent trackers from determining your usage behavior and collecting additional data.

Many email providers offer email aliases, which are additional email addresses linked to your main address. These can provide an extra layer of privacy protection. Creating a new, free email address for online shopping can help separate shopping emails from private conversations, further enhancing your privacy.

Disposable email addresses, which are only available for a short time, can be used for one-time purposes to protect your privacy. These can be easily found by searching for "disposable email addresses" on the internet.

Online usage data and email behavior are combined to create a comprehensive psychological profile. This collection of "breadcrumbs," including from emails, results in a transparent customer. To prevent others from knowing your real address, consider using email aliases. They can help protect your privacy by removing trackers (spies) from messages and keeping your real address hidden.

Using multiple email addresses for different purposes can make it harder for online activities to be tracked. This practice can significantly enhance your privacy.

For those seeking practical support in Wesel, the DomNetz group meets every Tuesday and Wednesday for questions and individual support. Meetings take place at the basement of the Haus am Dom at Willibrodiplatz 10, with volunteer mentors available for individual support on Wednesdays from 3 - 4 pm. No appointment is necessary.

Starting from September 2, 2025, a support group for practical questions in Wesel is available every Wednesday from 18:00 to 20:30 at the Praxis systemisch - achtsam, Birkenstraße 19, offered by Tanja Hesse as part of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living course.

Remember, your privacy is valuable. By following these simple strategies, you can take control of your data and protect yourself from potential threats. Stay safe and secure in the digital world.