Incognito mode, sometimes called “private browsing” or “privacy mode”, is a feature that has become an integral part of modern web browsers. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and other popular browsers offer this functionality with the promise of anonymity and user privacy. However, how effective is this mode?
How does it work?
Incognito mode is designed for temporary use, providing a session in which the browser does not save the history of the websites you visit and does not store data you enter on web pages. This includes cookies, passwords, and other personal information that the browser typically saves in normal mode.
Is it true that no traces are left?
While incognito mode reduces the amount of data the browser saves locally, it does not make you completely anonymous on the internet. Your internet service provider still sees which sites you visit, and this data can be recorded on the servers of the websites you visit. Also, if you log into your account on a website, the operator of that website can usually collect data about you.
Is incognito mode safe?
Incognito mode does not protect you from online threats such as malware or hacker attacks. Your computer can still be vulnerable to viruses and malicious software.
Advantages of incognito mode
- No history: The main advantage is the absence of a saved history. This is convenient if you are using a shared computer and don’t want traces of your actions to remain after use.
- Working with multiple accounts: Incognito mode allows you to log into multiple accounts on one site without having to log out of the current account.
- Shopping and booking: If you are making online purchases or booking tickets, incognito mode can be useful as it does not save data that could affect prices or product availability.
Disadvantages of incognito mode
- Not complete anonymity: As mentioned earlier, your internet service provider still knows which sites you visit, and this can be recorded on the servers of the websites you visit.
- No protection from malware: Incognito mode does not provide protection against viruses and other online threats.
- Does not guarantee data security: If the device you are using incognito mode on is infected with malware, it can lead to a leakage of your data.
In conclusion, incognito mode is a convenient tool for temporarily increasing privacy, but it does not make you completely anonymous and does not provide complete protection against online threats. To truly ensure security and anonymity on the internet, it is best to use specialized tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and other encryption methods.