A Gmail trick to avoid using the same email for everything without creating new accounts Here's how it works
Gmail is one of the most widely used platforms in the world, and many people use the same email address for everything: work, online shopping, subscriptions, social media, accessing other online services, and more. While this is undoubtedly convenient, it carries significant risks. If this address were to fall into the hands of companies or individuals who might misuse it, the result could be an increase in spam, reduced control, and potential security problems.
In this context, Gmail offers a little-known but very useful solution: alternative email names.
Simply put, a Gmail nickname is a modified version of your main email address and doesn't require creating a new account. It's done by adding a "+" symbol and a word to your usual email address.
For example, if your email address is ooo@gmail.com, you can use ooo+work@gmail.com or ooo+shopping@gmail.com or add any other word that suits your needs to differentiate your services.
All emails sent to these addresses arrive in the same inbox (your primary email account), but Gmail recognizes them as separate, alternate addresses. This allows you to keep them separate without creating multiple accounts, making it a practical and easy solution.
Advantages of using pseudonyms in Gmail
- Controlling the source of your emails : If your borrowed email address starts receiving unwanted messages, you can find out which website or company shared your address.
- Better organization : Nicknames allow you to use automatic filters to categorize messages by nickname, providing greater clarity.
- More privacy : By using a pseudonym, you will not have to enter the same "clean" email address for every registration process.
How to enable phishing protection in Gmail
Google allows any user to activate an extra layer of protection that provides additional safeguards against phishing. To activate it, click the following link and go to the page where you can enable the "Safe browsing with enhanced protection" option. If this feature is already enabled for you, you don't need to do anything.
If you're using Google Chrome, copy and paste the following command into your address bar: chrome://settings/security. Then, select the "Enhanced Protection" option instead of "Standard Protection." This, along with enabling two-step verification, is very helpful in protecting all your personal information from cyberattacks and scams.