Incognito or private browsing mode is often misunderstood as the ultimate solution for online anonymity. However, it has limitations that can compromise your privacy. Here’s what you need to know.
When you open an incognito window in your browser, a separate session is started that is disconnected from your normal browsing session. This session temporarily saves everything you do in that session, including your browsing history and cookies. But once you close the private session, all that temporary information is automatically deleted.
While Incognito mode can keep your local browsing session discreet on your own device, it doesn’t guarantee privacy from websites or online trackers. Websites use various methods to track your activity, such as cookie deletion, device fingerprinting, and IP address exposure.
Some common misconceptions about Incognito mode include:
* It makes you invisible on the internet
* It stops websites from tracking you
* It hides your IP address
In reality, Incognito mode doesn’t hide everything. Your ISP can still track your activity, and even using a VPN won’t make a difference in this case.
So why did I stop using Incognito mode? It gives me a false sense of security, but it’s not enough to keep my online activity private. Moreover, if you don’t share devices with others, there’s no need for private browsing.
If you want true privacy, consider the following alternatives:
* Use a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your IP address and encrypt your browsing activity
* Switch to a privacy-focused browser like Tor or DuckDuckGo
* Use private search engines like Startpage or DuckDuckGo
These options offer stronger protection against online trackers, ads, and fingerprinting. Don’t rely on Incognito mode for your online security; explore other solutions that can give you real peace of mind.
Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/why-incognito-mode-isnt-private