Most people that have been using the Internet in the Reno area for a long time have an email address that ends in @att.net, @sbcglobal.net, or @charter.net. You probably got this email address for free when you first signed up for internet service years ago.
It is the address your friends use to contact you, and it is the username for financial, device, social media and medical accounts. The idea of changing it now probably feels like a huge headache.
However, Computer Techs and other technology experts strongly suggest that you stop using email provided by your Internet provider – commonly AT&T and Charter/Spectrum in the Reno area. It isn’t just about having the newest technology—it is about protecting your freedom and keeping your information safe.
Here is a simple explanation of why you should consider making a change, and why it is worth the effort.
1. Don’t Let Your ISP Hold You Hostage
One problem with an email address from AT&T or Spectrum is that it can be tied to your monthly bill.
Imagine if you had to change your phone number every time you switched wireless service providers. That is effectively what happens here. If you ever want to cancel your internet service—perhaps to switch to a cheaper provider or because you are moving to a town where your current provider doesn’t exist—you could lose your email address.
This puts you in a difficult position. Some people stay with expensive internet plans for years, paying too much money, simply because they are terrified of losing their email address.
The better option: An email address from a company like Google (Gmail) or Microsoft (Outlook) is completely separate from your internet bill. You can move to a new house, switch internet providers, or travel the world, and your email address stays exactly the same. It belongs to you, not the cable company.
2. Better Email Protection Against Scams
Sadly, scammers targeting seniors are getting smarter. They send fake emails pretending to be your bank, Amazon or McAfee to steal your information.
Tech giants like Google and Microsoft spend billions of dollars on security systems that act like a 24/7 digital bodyguard. They are incredibly good at spotting these “spam” and “phishing” emails and blocking them before they ever reach your inbox.
Internet providers like AT&T and Charter/Spectrum focus on fixing cables and selling bundled services; email is just a side offering for them. Their security is often older and less effective, letting more dangerous emails slip through to you.
3. Better Account Security
When you choose and use an email service, you should be thinking about how secure it is. The difference between using a dedicated tech giant (Google, Microsoft) versus a telecommunications utility (AT&T, Spectrum) is not just about features—it is about the fundamental architecture of how your account is protected.
Here is a breakdown of the account security benefits you gain by switching to services such as Gmail, Outlook or iCloud Mail.
Superior Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
The single most effective way to stop a hacker is Multi-Factor Authentication (requiring a second form of ID – like a one-time code or a face/finger ID – to log in).
- Gmail, Outlook & iCloud Mail: Offer world-class, flexible MFA options. You can use Passkeys (fingerprint/face/PIN unlock) Authenticator Apps (like Google Authenticator) or Push Notifications to another signed-in device. These methods are highly resistant to “sim-swapping” attacks where hackers steal your phone number.
- ISP Email: Often relies on outdated or “clunky” MFA implementations. These types of accounts are a gold mine for hackers.
- AT&T: If AT&T has a current alternate email address or phone number on file for you, when signing into a new device they can send you a one-time code to verify your identity. We’ve discovered that many people do not have current account proof or recovery information on file with AT&T, and accessing and updating that information is not straightforward and sometimes impossible.
- Spectrum: As of this article’s writing, Spectrum doesn’t currently offer any online documentation about MFA for email sign-in, and the account recovery options are limited and hard to update. However, we’ve discovered that select customers have been required to use verification codes sent via email, text or phone call to access their account.
Superior Account Recovery Options
Since your ISP account was likely created over a decade ago when security and hack-prevention was an afterthought, initial account setup often didn’t include any way to recover your account should you get locked out. New accounts created today often require additional contact methods and the setup of passkeys to help prevent your account from getting compromised or inaccessible by you.
Superior hacker prevention
Gmail and Outlook monitor the Internet Protocol (IP) address of where your account is being accessed, and often block suspicious, unusual and multiple failed login attempts.
4. Non-ISP Email Is Much Easier to Use
If you ever feel frustratingly confused by your email inbox, it might be the software, not you.
Older email systems provided by ISPs can be clunky, slow, and hard to read, especially on a smartphone or tablet. Modern services like Gmail are designed to be much more user-friendly:
- Better Spam Filters: You spend less time deleting junk mail.
- Better Search: You can type “Doctor” and instantly find that appointment reminder from three years ago.
- Larger Text and Pictures: They are generally easier to read on modern screens.
How to Make the Change (Without the Stress)
You don’t have to delete your old account today. You can do this slowly and safely.
- Get a new Email: Set up a free Gmail, Outlook or iCloud account – however, you may already have an address that was created when you setup your Windows, Apple or Android device.
- (Optionally) Use an app to get emails from 2 accounts in one place: You can use apps such as Outlook or Thunderbird (PC), Gmail, Outlook or Mail (iOS/Android) or Mail (macOS) to get emails from 2 or more accounts in one place.
- Take Your Time: You don’t need to notify everyone at once. Over the next year as emails come into your old address, or whenever you visit your bank or doctor’s office – that will remind you to update your email address on file.
It takes a little bit of work to get started, but it will give you peace of mind knowing your email address is safe, secure, and truly yours. If you need help making the switch, contact Computer Techs today.