Our personal information is more vulnerable than ever before. With the rise of cybercrime, it's important to be cautious when sharing personal information, including your e-mail address. An article in the Straits Times highlighted the risks of sharing your e-mail address and why you should think twice before doing so. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this caution and provide tips on how to protect your personal information.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Sharing Your E-mail Address
E-mail addresses are a valuable commodity in today's digital age. They can be used by marketers, scammers, and cybercriminals to target individuals with spam, phishing scams, and other unwanted communications. This is why it's important to be cautious when sharing your e-mail address, particularly with websites or organizations that you're not familiar with.
Here are some tips on how to protect your e-mail address and personal information:
Use a Disposable E-mail Address: Consider using a disposable e-mail address when signing up for online services or websites that require an e-mail address. This will allow you to keep your personal e-mail address private and avoid spam or unwanted emails.
Be Selective with Who You Share Your E-mail Address With: Only share your e-mail address with trusted organizations or individuals that you know. If you're unsure about a website or organization, do some research before providing your e-mail address.
Use Anti-Spam Filters: Consider using anti-spam filters to help reduce the amount of unwanted emails you receive. Many e-mail services, such as Gmail, have built-in spam filters that can be customized to your preferences.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of emails that ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. Always double-check the sender's email address and look out for signs of a phishing scam, such as spelling errors or unusual requests.
Takeaways:
Sharing your e-mail address can come with risks, such as spam and phishing scams. It's important to be cautious with your personal information and only share it with trusted organizations or individuals.
References:
"Think Twice Before Sharing Your E-mail Address," The Straits Times, 28 Mar 2022.
"How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Scams," Federal Trade Commission.
"Spam Filters: What They Are, How They Work, and Why You Need Them," NortonLifeLock.