Add privacy and security using email aliases with Bitwarden

Bitwarden offers integration with several popular email alias services, including SimpleLogin, Addy.io, Firefox Relay, Fastmail, DuckDuckGo, and Forward Email. These services focus on bringing privacy and security to users’ online accounts. Using email aliases alongside a password manager adds multiple layers of protection. With these Bitwarden integrations, users now have a convenient way to generate both anonymous email addresses and secure passwords for ultimate security.

An email alias, also known as a masked email, is an address with the sole purpose of forwarding any message it receives to your personal email. These aliases typically don’t have anything in the address related to your personal information, making these services a must for those who want to retain a higher level of privacy when signing up for online services or subscriptions. An email alias address forwards emails to the user's primary inbox while keeping the original email address confidential. 

For example, if an online retailer requires you to create an account for checkout, you can use an email alias instead of your primary email. You will still receive the receipt, instantly forwarded from the service to your email account, but the retailer won’t have your real email address. By using email aliases, you can sign up for online services, newsletters, and other digital communications without exposing your primary email address.

Data breaches are sadly too common, with usernames, email addresses, passwords, and other sensitive information getting leaked from a company’s servers and into the hands of nefarious actors. Fortunately, most (but not all) internet companies work hard to protect stored passwords, saving only the hashed values so that the “plain text” passwords aren’t exposed. However, that protection is not always extended to email addresses, which makes them easy to compile into large databases and share/sell on the dark web.

“Hackers and trackers abuse email addresses and passwords to break into accounts and link personal information.” - Luke Crouch, Firefox Relay Security Engineer

Cybercriminals scan thousands of lists to find an email address that shows up more than once, which allows them to build a profile of that user for a possible targeted attack. They can then use that information to launch a credential-stuffing attack, trying various combinations of possible passwords with the leaked email address or username. Additionally, a leaked email is an easy target for spam and phishing schemes.

“Most people have one primary email address that becomes their internet identity. [Creating] email aliases on the fly adds a line of privacy defense to online accounts.” - Son Nguyen Kim, SimpleLogin Founder and CEO

Email alias services protect your privacy and security because hackers cannot learn your real email address or any other details about you from data breaches. Additionally, if you discover that your alias address has been sold to third parties for marketing or spam, you can simply disable that alias and create another.

The Bitwarden Generator, available in all Bitwarden plans, enables quick and easy creation of unique email aliases for SimpleLogin, Addy.io, Firefox Relay, Fastmail, DuckDuckGo, and Forward Email. Utilizing the API key from the chosen account, an alias is instantly registered with the configured service. Learn how to get started with the Username & Password Generator on the Bitwarden Help page.

To create aliases, make a new vault item and click the random password generator icon. From the resulting pop-up, expand the Options sections and select Forwarded email alias. You can then select the email alias service of your choice and paste the API key and server URL you retrieve from the chosen service. When finished, close the Generator pop-up, finish creating the vault item, and save it.

“Both [Addy.io and Bitwarden] share a commitment to the increased transparency that comes with open source technologies, and we’re excited to bring users yet another way to protect themselves online.” - Will Browning, Addy.io Founder and CEO.

Using email alias providers to create a unique username and password for every account provides the ultimate defense against data breaches and strong privacy protection. Keeping your accounts and online identity secure is easier than ever with Bitwarden!

An email alias service offers a range of features that make it easy to create and manage multiple email aliases. Some of the key features of email alias services include:

1. Unlimited aliases: Create as many email aliases as you need without any limits or restrictions. This is particularly useful for managing different aspects of your online life.

2. Custom domains: Use your own custom domain to create aliases that are professional and easy to remember. This is ideal for businesses or individuals who want a personalized touch.

3. Automatic forwarding: Set up automatic forwarding to your primary email account so you can receive emails sent to your email aliases without any extra steps.

4. Data breach protection: Protect your online identity from data breaches by using email aliases instead of your primary email address. If an alias is compromised, you can simply disable it and create a new one.

5. Temporary email services: Create temporary email aliases for one-time use, such as when signing up for a service or receiving a coupon. This helps in avoiding spam and keeping your inbox clean.

By using email alias services, you can protect your online identity from data breaches and maintain privacy in your digital communications. Whether you’re looking to create unlimited aliases, use custom domains, or set up automatic forwarding, email alias services have the features and flexibility you need to manage your online presence effectively.

Experience the integration of email aliases in all Bitwarden plans. Sign up for a free individual account, or get started with a free business trial to help your team stay safe online.