Incognito mode or private browsing might sound like a cloak of invisibility for your online activities, but unfortunately, it’s not quite as secretive as it seems. Google faced a $5 billion lawsuit for tracking users in Chrome’s incognito mode. Let’s look at the pros and cons of incognito mode below.
Pros:
Incognito mode can be helpful when someone else needs to log into an account on your computer; it operates independently of your regular browsing session. Any cookies, login credentials (auto-fill/auto-login), or browsing history from your main session won’t affect the incognito window, and vice versa.
Cons:
Although incognito mode clears your local browsing history, your ISP and network administrators can still see your online activities. It doesn’t hide your IP address or encrypt your internet traffic; therefore, your digital footprints remain visible. Depending on the browser, files you download and bookmarks you save might not be deleted when you close the incognito window.
While incognito mode provides a degree of isolation, it’s not an impenetrable fortress. For enhanced security and privacy, consider the following measures:
1. Search Engines: Opt for search engines that prioritize privacy, such as DuckDuckGo.
2. Disable Cookies: Prevent third-party tracking by disabling cookies.
3. Separate User Accounts: Consider using separate user accounts on your computer or a dedicated guest account.
4. VPN: If possible, use a VPN to ensure truly private browsing sessions.
Remember, no single solution guarantees absolute security, but combining these practices can significantly enhance your online privacy.