Hobby Email

I cannot access my Yahoo email account. It's worked fine for years and just recently they said it was possibly compromised and required that I change the password. I logged in fine immediately after changing the password, but now it tells me that the username or password is invalid. I can only assume it has been hacked and the password changed.

It seems they now require a phone # or other email address to make a new account which is not good for anonymity. What is a good email provider for anonymous emails?
I'm curious to see what answers you get back in this. When I first got into the hobby, I thought I heard something about stay away from a yahoo email account. Or maybe stay away from a yahoo email if you already have one Yahoo email.
Sorry, but I have no advice to lend.
No one?
Jannisary's Avatar
Which email service you pick really comes down to which one you personally feel more comfortable using and understanding. Any US based service is subject to subpoena and search warrant but if you're just normal hobbying in a safe manner that shouldn't be too big of a worry.
I have never had an issue with my yahoo accounts. Either Yahoo or gmail should be fine. Yahoo has always (for the past 12 years anyway) required a recovery email address or phone number. I'm pretty sure gmail does as well. If you can't access your account it's very unlikely to be a hacking issue, much more likely that you mistyped the password, either when you set it up or on the subsequent login attempt. As far as security goes, it's tough to beat the security offered through gmail.
I'm not too sure about their security features but gmx offers free email without having to provide a phone number. Just throwing an option out there for you.
plainjoe's Avatar
An issue with gmail is its association with Google. Google links and associates everything - searches, accounts, etc., plus it saves all your searches, e-mail, etc. so that you may receive "targeted" e-mails, Linked in invitations (I received an invite from a lady in my hobby account). Please be careful when using your hobby e-mail account - clear your browsers after using your accounts; use a VPN... Good luck!
Openmailbox.org
I personally use Proton Mail. I'm not ignorant enough to believe it's a fail-safe but it is much more secure since it is based in Switzerland. Mail to & from Proton Mail account holders is automatically encrypted. You can also encrypt messages to non Proton Mail account holders.

I do hope this helps. Please PM me if you should have any questions!

Also if you do not have a VPN, you need to get one. They are wonderful.

LJ, xox
I used Hushmail when I started out, and recommend it for those who plan to answer emails exclusively from desktop Web browsers. It's a little inconvenient to use from mobile browsers, though and it costs extra to enable IMAP access for use with email apps on phones or programs like Outlook & Thunderbird.