Is Incognito Mode secure to use? Advantages and disadvantages of incognito mode usage

The majority of browsers currently support private browsing mode—a browser feature that doesn’t store a record of the sites you visit. Although incognito mode enhances the level of privacy of your browsing session, it’s not 100% private. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of incognito mode and whether or not it’s safe to use.

What is incognito mode and what does it do?

Incognito mode is a private window in your web browser (and is referred to by varying names depending on the browser you are using). Basically, incognito mode stops your browsing history from being saved. When you normally go to a web page, the text, images, and cookies necessary for that page are saved locally on your computer. Also, any forms you fill out or searches you perform can be saved in autocomplete fields. The incognito mode doesn’t save this information or lose it when you close the browser window.

Incognito mode does not mask your internet activity from others who may be able to access your device. Your internet service provider, school, employer, or tracking software can still monitor what you’re doing on the internet and what websites you’re visiting (unless you’re using a VPN).

Benefits of Incognito Mode

Some of the primary benefits of incognito mode include:

Private browsing on shared devices

For users of shared devices, incognito mode is an excellent choice because it ensures that your browsing history will not be available to others who use the same device. Whenever you end an incognito session, your login details, cookies , and all other temporary browsing files are cleared. This is, for instance, means that if another user who is using the device goes to the same website as you (say a social media website), your accounts will be logged out to avoid the use of your accounts by unauthorized persons.

Blocks some types of internet tracking.

While surfing using incognito mode, your browser empties cookies from your device once you close it. This prevents businesses from following you around and cuts down on your exposure to dynamic pricing and targeted ads. (Dynamic pricing means that companies are using your information to raise prices on products you have already looked at.) Not every browser blocks third-party cookies automatically, though, so even if no cookies are being saved on your device, your actions can still be followed by the sites you’re visiting.

Concurrent utilization of numerous accounts

If you have several accounts for the same site, incognito mode lets you log in with more than one account simultaneously. This can come in handy if you wish to see multiple social media accounts without having to log out of one.

Extension-free browsing

If you browse using browser extensions or toolbars, opening an incognito window is a rapid means of searching without any extensions or toolbars affecting your experience.

Disadvantages of Incognito Mode

Even with its benefits, incognito mode does not totally keep all your online activities secret. This can make people ask how private browsing is. The downsides of incognito mode are as follows:

You can still be tracked.

Although incognito mode does add an extra layer of privacy online, it cannot totally shield you from tracking online. In incognito mode, third parties might still gather information on you when you’re on a website, including your location, browser, operating system, and more. Incognito mode prevents third-party cookies in some browsers. In case you don’t know, your browser activity can be tracked through cookies to offer you ads targeted at you or dynamic pricing. Moreover, opening online accounts while in incognito mode is a way third-party websites and advertisers can connect your incognito mode search history to your digital footprint.

Your IP address is still visible

Incognito mode does not mask your IP address, which is an important component of your digital footprint. Internet users who desire to conceal their IP address should utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network) instead.

Internet activity is not hidden from others.

It is only with incognito mode that your online activities will remain private to other users of your device. Though those others who can access your device cannot see your history, your browsing activities can be accessed by third parties like:

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Your internet service provider will know the sites you’ve been to. If asked, for instance, under orders from the police, they would have to reveal this information.
• Websites: Even using incognito mode, your internet service provider gives your IP address to websites you access.
• School or corporate networks: If you’re browsing with a school or corporate network, your history is visible even in incognito mode.
• Sites you log into: If you’re in incognito mode and you log into a site such as Facebook or Twitter, you’re not anonymous. The site might even share your information with other sites.

It does not safeguard you against cyber threats.

Although incognito mode does enhance your online anonymity, it won’t shield you from cyber attacks such as phishing , malware , or imposter sites.

In essence, the greatest advantage of incognito mode is that it keeps others on a shared computer from accessing your browsing history. However, if you desire more online anonymity, then you must employ a VPN.

Is Incognito Mode safe?

With the pros and cons, the question is, “Is Incognito mode safe?” The response is that Incognito mode is safe, but it does not provide users with an entirely private browsing environment. Your browsing activity is never fully hidden , either from your internet service provider or from the sites you visit, when you use Incognito mode. Additionally, you can still be traced while in Incognito mode when you log in to a personal account or when a website is able to associate your IP address with you.

Incognito mode will keep the person using your device from being able to view your browsing history, but it will not keep someone from hacking, identify theft, or other computer crimes.