Most browsers these days allow you to use incognito mode – a browser setting which doesn’t keep a record of which web pages you visit. However, while incognito mode increases the privacy of your browsing session, it isn’t 100% private. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of incognito mode, and whether it’s safe to use.
What is incognito mode and what does it hide?
Incognito mode is a private window in your web browser (and is known by different names depending on which browser you are using). Essentially, incognito mode prevents your browsing history from being stored. Typically, when you visit a web page, the text, pictures, and cookies required by that page are stored locally on your computer. In addition, any searches or form fields that are filled out may be stored in autocomplete fields. Incognito mode doesn’t store this data or else forgets it when you close the browser window.
Incognito mode only hides your internet activity from others who might have access to your device. Your internet service provider, employer, school, or tracking software may still see what you’re doing online and which websites you are visiting (unless you use a VPN).
Advantages of incognito mode
Key advantages of incognito mode include:
Private browsing on shared devices
For those using shared devices, incognito mode is a great option because it means your browsing history won’t be accessible by other people using the device. Each time you close an incognito session, your login information, cookies, and any other temporary browsing files are deleted. This means, for example, that if someone else who uses the device visits the same site as you (such as a social media site), your account will be logged out – preventing unauthorized users from accessing your accounts.
Prevents some forms of internet tracking
When using incognito mode, at the end of your browser session, your browser will clear cookies from your device. This helps to prevent companies from tracking you and may reduce your exposure to targeted ads and dynamic pricing. (Dynamic pricing refers to when companies use your data to raise prices on items you have previously browsed.) However, not all browsers block third party cookies by default, so even though cookies won’t be stored on your device, your activity may still be tracked by the sites you visit.
Simultaneous use of multiple accounts
If you have multiple accounts for the same website, incognito mode enables you to be logged in to more than one account at the same time. This could be useful if you want to view multiple social media accounts without having to log out of one.
Extension-free browsing
If you use browser extensions or toolbars when browsing, opening an incognito window is a quick way to search without any extensions or toolbars intruding on your experience.
Disadvantages of incognito mode
Despite its advantages, incognito mode doesn’t completely hide all your internet activity. This can lead some to ask, how private is private browsing? Disadvantages of incognito mode include:
You can still be tracked
While incognito mode increases your online privacy, it doesn’t completely protect you from internet tracking. When using incognito mode, third parties can still gather data about you when you visit a website, such as your location, browser, operating system, and other information. With some browsers, incognito mode does block third party cookies. For those that don’t, your browser activity may be tracked using cookies to provide you with targeted ads or dynamic pricing. In addition, logging in to online accounts while using incognito mode can help third party websites and advertisers link your incognito mode search history to your digital footprint.
Your IP address is still visible
Incognito mode doesn’t hide your IP address, which is a significant part of your digital footprint. Internet users who want to conceal their IP address should use a VPN or Virtual Private Network instead.
Internet activity isn’t hidden from others
With incognito mode alone, your internet activity will only be kept secret from other users on your device. While others with access to your device won’t be able to view your history, your browsing can still be viewed by third parties, such as:
- Internet service providers (ISPs): The company that provides your internet service will know which sites you have visit. If required to do so – for example, by law enforcement – they would have to disclose that information.
- Websites: Even when using incognito mode, your ISP shares your IP address with the websites you visit.
- School or company networks: If you use a school or corporate network, your browsing history is visible even if you are in incognito mode.
- Websites you log into: If you’re in incognito mode and log into a website like Facebook or Twitter, you won’t be anonymous. The site can also share your data with other websites.
Doesn’t protect you from cyber threats
While incognito mode can increase your online privacy, it doesn’t protect you from cyber threats such as phishing, malware, or fake websites.
In essence, the main benefit of incognito mode is preventing others who use a shared device from viewing your browsing history. But if you’re looking for greater online privacy, then you need to use a VPN.
Is incognito mode safe?
Given the pros and cons, it’s reasonable to ask ‘is incognito mode safe?’ The answer is that incognito mode is safe to use but doesn’t provide users with a totally private browsing experience. When using incognito mode, your browsing activity is never entirely invisible, whether that’s from your internet service provider or the websites you visit. In addition, you can still be tracked when using incognito mode if you log into a personal account or if a website can link your IP address to your identity.
While using incognito mode prevents someone using your device from viewing your browsing history, it doesn’t stop hacking, identity thieves or other cyber criminals from carrying out cybercrimes.
A VPN provides greater privacy with incognito mode
Using a VPN or Virtual Private Network provides a much greater level of online privacy than incognito mode. Essentially, incognito mode protects your privacy from other people who may use your device, whereas a VPN keeps you anonymous from everybody on the internet.
This is because the browser itself doesn’t have the ability to make your online activity private. To ensure privacy, you have to focus on your connection. A VPN is the best way to make your internet connection anonymous and hide your IP address – preventing third parties from tracking your activity.
If you want to hide your IP address and browse safely while keeping your data safe, then a VPN like Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection is a good option to consider. Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection allows you to browse securely and anonymously online, at industry-leading speeds, and allows you to unlock global content without restrictions from anywhere.
A password manager also increases online safety
You can also use a password manager to increase your online safety. A password manager is an app on your device that stores your passwords so you don’t need to remember them. You can generate strong passwords and manage all digital passwords securely in a privately encrypted vault with Kaspersky Password Manager.
FAQs about incognito mode
What is incognito mode?
Incognito mode is a browsing feature that prevents your browsing history from being saved on your device. This makes your internet session invisible to others who may use your device. The term ‘incognito mode’ was coined by Google Chrome, but other browsers offer similar features, often referred to as private browsing or private mode.
Is incognito mode safe?
Incognito mode is safe to use but isn’t completely private. When you use incognito mode, your browsing history isn’t saved to your device, which makes it invisible to anyone else who uses that device. But your browsing history will still be visible to third parties, such as your internet service provider, search engines, and websites you visit. In addition, incognito mode won’t protect you from cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and viruses.
Related products:
- Kaspersky Password Manager
- Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection
- Kaspersky Premium – Product Details
- Download Kaspersky Antivirus Premium Free Trial
- Kaspersky Plus
- Kaspersky Standard
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