The number of data breaches is increasing in the digitized world. This makes your internet privacy a priority. Many people use incognito mode/private browsing to hide their online journey. There are a lot of private browsing myths about how incognito mode works. Private searches do not save your online history. It prevents people from viewing the sites you have visited.
Nevertheless, you are never entirely anonymous while online. Your network admin and internet provider can still see the places you visit. The owners of sites you visit can see that you visited. Understanding the common private browsing myths is important for enhancing your safety.
What is private browsing?
Many browsers show private browsing as incognito mode. It is a feature in browsers that hides your browsing history. This mode does not save cookies or form data. Your browser activates temporary browsing once you turn on incognito mode.
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Browsing history is important for many organizations. Marketers for instance use this history to start conversations with leads. The history helps them recommend products or create personalized content. Hackers also rely on your browsing history to track your steps online. Government agencies can also use this information to track you and know your location. That is why anonymous browsing is important for you. You should turn on private browser once you connect online. Anonymous browsing makes it harder for hackers to follow your footprints online. When they find it difficult to break into your system, your privacy and overall online safety is not compromised. For mental peace and online data security, it’s clear how important an extra defensive layer is.
Private browsing means your online behavior is not seen. All the online history for that session is lost once you close the browser. Private searches do not keep you safe from malware or data threats. It does not hide you from your internet provider, admin, or website owner.
Private browsing myths
No one can see your private browsing history
The myth that no one can see your private browsing history once you activate incognito mode is untrue. Private browsing hides you from other internet users. However, it does not hide you from your internet provider. It does not hide you from your network administrator or website owner. These three people can still see the areas you visited.
You can never get viruses or malware in incognito mode
You will often find people asking – can you get viruses in incognito mode? Incognito mode protects your history. It does not protect you from attacks like viruses and malware. This mode does not provide you with any extra safety measures. You can still be hacked or get viruses. You must be ready to protect yourself from these attacks even when private browsing is active.
You cannot be tracked at all in private browsing
Another common question people ask is – can private searches be tracked? Hidden online journey does not hide all tracks. What it does is prevent cookies and site data from saving your sessions. Data brokers and third-party advertisers can still track you. Some hackers can still track you. They can use highly advanced technology like fingerprinting to identify your steps.
You are always safe once you turn on incognito mode
Incognito mode changes the behavior of a single session. It does not keep your browsing private always. It deletes the activities of the current session. You must turn it on the next time you log in or open a browser to visit places online.
All your online accounts are safe in private browsing
Your online accounts are always vulnerable regardless of the way you connect. Various security measures help keep your accounts safe. Ensure your passwords are complex and use multifactor authentication. Connect with a VPN to hide your IP address and install antimalware protection.
Ways to boost your online safety
- Connect to the internet with a VPN to hide your local address.
- Keep your firewall active to protect yourself from hackers and malware.
- Change your weak passwords and ensure they are strong.
- Remove your browser cache and cookies after each browsing session.
- Use the latest browsers because they have better security features.
- Delete suspicious links or documents and avoid visiting suspicious websites.
- Scan your device to identify possible attacks or self-installed malware or viruses.
Conclusion
Incognito browsing protects your online history from other internet users. It does not hide completely from hackers, providers, and admins. Extra security measures can help improve your safety. Create complex logins and use VPNs to enhance your safety. Activate the firewall or install safe online security software like antivirus. Observe the best internet use practices to improve your safety.