In today’s digital age, securing your online presence is essential. While VPNs and antivirus software help protect you from online threats, they don’t shield your personal information once you share it.

Whether it’s your email address, phone number, or physical address, bad actors can use this data against you. That’s where Surfshark’s Alternative ID comes in—a game-changing feature designed to protect your identity and reduce spam.

Why basic online protection isn’t enough

A VPN conceals your IP address, making your online activity anonymous, while antivirus software intercepts threats. Ad blockers prevent invasive trackers and pop-ups. However, none of these tools address the risks involved with sharing your personal data.

The moment you provide your email address to a website, you’re opening the door to spam, scams, and worse—identity theft. This risk applies to every piece of information you share online. So how do you take control of your personal data? Enter Alternative ID.

What is Alternative ID?

Alternative ID by Surfshark lets you create a new, secure identity for online use. This feature generates a temporary email address, phone number, and even a name and physical address—perfect for safeguarding your real details.

Think of it as an extra layer of privacy, especially useful for those moments when you need to provide your information but don’t want the hassle of dealing with spam or potential scams. Here are some everyday use cases for Alternative ID:

1. Online shopping and discounts

Ever signed up for a newsletter to get that 10% discount, only to find your inbox flooded with promotions? With Alternative ID, you can get the deal without the spam. Create a temporary email address to receive the offer, while your main inbox stays clutter-free.

2. Work collaborations with strangers

If you’re working on a project with people you don’t know well, you don’t have to share your real name or contact details. Alternative ID allows you to collaborate without revealing sensitive information, reducing the risk of phishing and scams.

3. Contest and giveaway entries

Love entering contests but hate the follow-up spam? Use an Alternative ID to protect your main email from excessive marketing emails or potential data breaches.

4. Forum & community participation

Engaging in online communities doesn’t have to expose your real email or identity. Use a temporary identity to interact safely, without worrying about spam or data brokers accessing your personal information.

Global trends show a worrying rise in spam and data breaches too. As of August 2024, the United States sends 8 billion spam emails per day, followed closely by China and Germany. With more than 162 billion spam emails sent globally every day, it’s more important than ever to safeguard your information.

Moreover, data breaches are on the rise. In 2021, Facebook and LinkedIn both suffered significant breaches, exposing millions of users’ personal data, including email addresses and phone numbers. If your details end up in the wrong hands, you could be at risk of phishing attacks, identity theft, and social engineering exploits.

In a world where personal data is becoming increasingly vulnerable, using tools like Surfshark’s Alternative ID is a smart choice for anyone looking to protect their privacy. From controlling spam to preventing identity theft, this feature gives you more control over your digital footprint. And the best part? It’s available with a Surfshark subscription for just $2.49 a month.