Pros and Cons of Using Email Aliases

Having a cluttered email inbox is something nobody wants. One thing that people have found helps is using email aliases. 

What is an Email Alias?

Email alias is in simple terms: a forwarding email address. With email aliases, you can make an infinite number of unique email addresses that are all connected to the same main email account. To use aliases, typically you add a “+” after the username part of your email, and add a notation after it, ex: ([email protected]). In order to activate the filter in your email, you must then create a folder named “notation” and create a new filter that sends any email addresses to that alias to the notations folder. 

What is the Point of Using Aliases?

The most prominent reason that email users begin using aliases is in order to organize their email inbox. As most websites, businesses, organizations etc. require your email, it can flood your inbox with an overwhelming amount of messages. Another strong reason that people use aliases is in order to help detect spam and breaches. Phishing is becoming more and more prevalent in our virtual world, and it can be hard to tell when something is a scam, which aliases can help to prevent. It is reasonable to assume that when an email outside of the websites you gave that notation starts coming in, that it is most likely spam. This way it is easier to stay aware of potential phishing. 

The Outstanding Risks

One basic issue with using aliases is that some websites do not allow them. Since it may only accept your regular inbox email, it is important to keep an eye out for suspicious emails in the main inbox. On top of that, it has been found that certain hacker groups alter their collected email addresses to remove aliases, and then sell or use them. Between the two risks, staying engaged in screening your regular inbox is even more crucial.

Although typical use of email aliases is still low, it may be the time that it changes. Apple customers that use iCloud emails to sign up for accounts are prompted to the Apple’s “Hide My Email” feature, which is essentially creating different inboxes for emails to go to. There is generally no disadvantage to using email aliases, however it is important to stay on top of what websites you give your email to, and your inboxes to ensure nothing is array.