Is Incognito Mode Really Private?

One of the questions that many people raise is whether incognito is really private.  Google incognito mode is a Google chrome browsing option whereby the users’ data is not logged in. The name Incognito has for a longtime raised questions on whether browsing on the mode is private and secure. However, it is important to understand that the only thing that the incognito mode browsing does not do is store data entered during the browsing session. Otherwise, one faces the same vulnerability as if they were normally browsing.  The incognito mode should not be used when one wants to attain the utmost privacy during their browsing sessions as they will be vulnerable. If one really wants to go incognito, they should use VPNs, Tor Browser, Vilvadi browser or Web proxy VPNs.  By using these, one is always sure that their identity and security are guaranteed online.

How to open Incognito Mode

Incognito mode can b easily accessed in most web browsers. Google Incognito can be accessed at the far right end of the search bar.  Open the “Settings” and choose the incognito window on the drop-down menu.

However, there are different shortcuts for different browsers that make it easier for one to access the incognito browsing.

• Google Chrome: Control/⌘ + Shift + N
• Apple Safari: ⌘ + Shift + N
• Firefox: Control/⌘ + Shift + P
• Internet Explorer: Control + Shift + P

What does Incognito Mode do?

Many web browsers have the alternative of using them in incognito mode.  Incognito mode which is also referred to as private browsing is designed to ensure that the users do not leave any local data after they are done with their browsing session.  This means that any data that is entered during the browsing period is not stored and thus cannot be accessed later. However, many people do not realize that apart from not saving the data entered, the browser pretty much does nothing else. Most of the commonly used browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari, offer almost the same incognito mode browsing modes.

Deleting cookies: One of the things that Incognito mode does is ensuring that no cookies are left when one closes the browsing window.  This is beneficial especially when a person is sharing their computer.  Some users also use incognito mode when they do not want to receive targeted ads. It is important to understand that cookies are responsible for personalized pages and ads that are set to users. Learn how to delete browser cookies without using the incognito mode here.

Deletes browsing history: The other use of the incognito mode is that it deletes any browsing history. This is important, especially when visiting sites that one does not want to leave their track on their browsers’ history.  As soon as one closes the browser while using the incognito mode any history of the data they entered is forgotten. This is easier as compared to manually having to clear data after a browsing session.

What Incognito mode does not do?

However, it is important to understand that there is so much in terms of privacy and security that using your browser in Incognito Mode does not do.

Incognito mode does not hide your online activities: It is important to understand that browsing in private mode does not in any way prevent network administrators from seeing your activities online.  The only thing that the network does is ensuring that no data is stored after someone closes the browser. This is important since employers can always track your activities online and it is advisable that one uses Incognito mode on allowed websites when using restricted networks. This is one of the reasons why people may wonder whether incognito is really private.  Most people expect that whenever they are using a private browser, they are able to hide their activities from anybody who may be tracking their activities.

It does not secure one from malware attacks and other vulnerabilities: It is also important to understand that using the computer in Incognito Mode does not minimize the risks from online attacks.  The mode does not have any firewalls that would make it impossible for imminent cyber-attacks.  It is therefore advised that one should always take all the necessary security measures when using Incognito mode to prevent the attacks. One of the measures that one can take while using incognito mode to prevent cyber attacks is ensuring that they do not visit sites that are questionable. This may leave them vulnerable to the attacks while all along they thought their activities were private and secure.

Does not deactivate any monitoring software: If you have any monitoring software such as parental control or keyloggers, any information entered during the mode can always be recorded and retrieved for future reference. Therefore, if anyone does not what to have their online activities monitored should have extra privacy measures.

How to browse privately?

If you what to browse privately, there are various ways in which you can do it. This will ensure that your activities and information that you enter online is safe and cannot be accessed.

Use the Tor Browser: One of the best ways to ensure that your online privacy is guaranteed is using the Tor Browser- Tor Browser does not record any of your information and uses multiple nodes to send your traffic. This ensures that your online activities cannot be tracked.

Use Vivaldi Browser: Just like Tor, the Vivaldi browser has strong security and privacy features. These ensure that all your activities online are secure unlike using the incognito mode.  Another benefit of Vivaldi is that it is highly customizable to the users’ needs.

Use Firefox: Unlike other commonly used browsers, Firefox has an advantage over them. Using the right settings users can easily enhance their online security and privacy.

Use a VPN: If you are wondering whether your Google incognito is really incognito, then the bad news is that it is not. This is why you need to install a VPN to your browser to make your activities hidden. There are different types of VPNs that you can choose from to ensure that you hide your online activities. One of the benefits of using a VPN to go Incognito is that it ensures that your data is encrypted. This is important to prevent it from being intercepted.  The other benefit of using a VPN is that it replaces your VPN with a new one.  This way it is difficult for anyone to know who is on the network. VPNs can also help one access restricted websites in anonymity which is not possible while using the Google incognito mode.

Use web proxy extensions– If you do not what to change your browser and you want to ensure that your incognito is really private, the best step that one can take is that of installing web proxy extension.  Web proxy extensions are quite similar to VPN’s but they have some slight differences. Just like Incognito VPNs web proxy extensions provide a new IP for the browser thus ensuring that your identity is not exposed.  However, the major difference is that web proxy extensions only work with browsers and they are lightweight. VPNs however, protect all your activities with your computer thus much more robust.