The 3-account trick to stay safe

Table of contents

• The problem: one account for everything is dangerous
• The solution: the 3-account trick
• Real benefits of the 3-account strategy
• How to set up the 3-account trick step-by-step
• Practical example

In the world of cyber security, one golden rule stands out: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. This applies to digital identities as well. Using a single email address for all your accounts means that, if compromised, it can open the door to a chain of devastating attacks.

In this article, you’ll discover the “3-account trick“: a simple yet powerful strategy that helps limit damage in the event of a breach, improves your online security, and makes your digital life more efficient.

The problem: one account for everything is dangerous

Using a single email account for everything work, social media, shopping, banking, healthcare is like using the same key for your house, office, car, and safe. If that key gets stolen, the attacker gains access to everything.

In the event of a cyberattack such as phishing, malware, or a breach of an e-commerce site—an attacker who gains access to your main email credentials can:

• reset passwords to other services (bank, cloud, social media);
• access messages containing sensitive data (tax documents, tickets, receipts);
• use your address to send spam or scam emails.

The result can be devastating: identity theft, financial loss, and damage to your reputation.

The solution: the 3-account trick

The 3-account trick is a proactive digital compartmentalization strategy: instead of using a single email account for everything, you create three distinct email addresses, each with a specific purpose:

1. Core personal email for critical services

This is your most secure email and should be used only for:

• online banking;
• access to healthcare services;
• digital identity systems (SPID, CIE, CNS);
• cloud services with critical backups;
• digital identity providers (e.g., Apple ID, Google, Microsoft);
• cryptocurrency wallets.

It must be protected with two-factor authentication (2FA), a strong and unique password, no access from shared devices, and it should never be used to register for newsletters or shopping websites.

2. Professional email for work and business

Used strictly for:

• business communication;
• professional tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Trello, Notion, etc.);
• services linked to LinkedIn, GitHub, or other professional platforms.

If you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur, consider using a custom domain (e.g., name@company.com).
Tip: enable 2FA here too, protect the account with backups, and monitor for suspicious logins.

3. Public email for shopping, subscriptions, and apps

This is your “throwaway email” used for:

• registrations on e-commerce and marketplaces;
• hotel, flight, and restaurant bookings;
• newsletters, contests, mobile apps;
• forums and communities.

It doesn’t matter if this account gets compromised: it contains no sensitive data and isn’t linked to your bank accounts.

This inbox will receive a lot of spam and that’s expected. You can replace it with a new one at any time.

Real benefits of the 3-account strategy

Splitting your digital identities into separate compartments has immediate advantages:

• Risk reduction
  If one inbox is compromised, the others remain safe.
• Greater privacy
  Each area of your life has its own identity.
• Better organization
  Work emails don’t get mixed up with spam or promotions.
• Access control
  It’s easier to detect suspicious behavior.
• Faster incident response
  Knowing which account is compromised helps you act quickly.

How to set up the 3-account trick step-by-step

Step 1: Create three emails with different providers

Avoid using the same provider (e.g., Gmail) for all three inboxes. For example:

• Gmail for your core account;
• Outlook for work;
• ProtonMail or Yahoo for your public account.

Step 2: Set strong and unique passwords

Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to generate and store secure credentials. Each email should have its own unique password, never reused.

Step 3: Enable 2FA

Two-factor authentication should be active on at least the core and work emails and ideally on the public one too. Use apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or hardware keys like YubiKey.

Step 4: Follow strict usage rules

Never mix contexts. If you register on a new shopping website, don’t use your work email. If you receive a bank-related message on your public email, it’s almost certainly phishing.

Step 5: Monitor and review

Every month, check:

• devices linked to each account;
• recent login activity;
• any unauthorized access attempts.

Practical example

Let’s imagine “Laura,” a freelance marketer:

• She uses laura.core@email.it for SPID, INPS, banking, and cloud services.
• She uses laura@company.it for work, clients, and collaborators.
• She uses laura1979@libero.it for Amazon, Zalando, Booking, and various apps.

One day, she receives an email from “banca@secure-it.com” on her laura1979@libero.it account.
Laura instantly knows it’s a scam, because her bank only contacts her via her core account.

Thanks to this separation of identities, she blocks the phishing attempt without any damage.

Conclusion

In 2025, protecting your digital identity is a daily necessity. The “3-account trick” is a simple yet highly effective technique to limit damage in case of an attack, better organize your security, and improve your digital resilience.

It’s not just about email: it’s a mindset. Every area of your life deserves its own protection.

Questions and answers

1. Can I use the same provider for all emails?
   Yes, but it’s better to diversify to reduce the risk of provider-level breaches.
2. Do I really need a separate email just for shopping?
   Yes. It helps isolate spam and the risks of less secure sites.
3. What if I forget my passwords?
   Use a reliable password manager to store them encrypted.
4. Can I use aliases instead of separate emails?
   Aliases help, but don’t provide the same level of separation and security.
5. How effective is the 3-account trick?
   Very effective in limiting the impact of individual breaches and improving organization.
6. How often should I change my passwords?
   Every 6–12 months, or immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.
7. Can I use a company email for personal use?
   No, it’s risky and may violate your company’s policies.
8. Is it useful to use a certified PEC email as your core account?
   Only for legal purposes. A well-protected standard email is usually better.
9. Is 2FA really necessary on all accounts?
   Yes especially on your core and work emails. It’s recommended for your public one too.
10. How can I recognize a phishing email?
    Check the sender’s address, avoid suspicious links, and remember: your bank will never contact you through the wrong email.