Put simply: No.
Most browsers offer some form of private browsing. Chrome calls this feature Incognito Mode. Internet Explorer and Edge call it InPrivate Browsing mode. Firefox and Opera call the feature Private Browsing mode and Safari offers a “Private window”.
With terms like private browsing, private window, and private tab, you’d expect them to be, well...private and thus more secure, wouldn’t you? The reality is that these private modes are no more secure than browsing like normal.
Key Takeaways
- Incognito Mode Isn't Truly Private: While it hides your browsing history from others using the same device, it doesn't conceal your activity from websites, your internet provider, or employers.
- Cookies and Site Data Are Still Accessible: Websites can still collect data during your session, especially if you're logged into an account, allowing them to track your activities.
- No Protection Against Online Threats: Incognito mode doesn't shield you from malware, viruses, or scams; it's essential to use dedicated security tools for comprehensive protection.
Clean up your browser and remove popups
What does private browsing mode actually do?
In short, Private Browsing is intended to keep your internet activity hidden from others who use the same computer. It erases the temporary data held by your computer, including: When you close your private browsing session, your browsing history is deleted. This means that you can’t go back and see what websites you visited, but neither can anyone else. This can save you from some potentially embarrassing moments. More importantly, it can stop malware and spyware that may have infected your device from seeing that information as well. That said, the same malware and spyware may have already gathered information about the sites at the time you visited them so this alone shouldn’t be used as a means of security.
It erases your search data. Like your browsing history, erasing your search data can save you from some potentially embarrassing moments, but it doesn’t play a role in your security online as a whole.
It clears your cookies. Cookies are information saved on your web browser. They collect information about pages you view, website activities, allow for targeted advertisements, and allow websites to recognize when you’ve visited before. If you’ve ever visited a website and found that you were already logged in, this convenience comes from cookies.
What private browsing doesn’t do.
Many people choose to use private browsing or Incognito mode as a means of adding privacy or security to their browsing experience, but this is ineffective.
It doesn’t block others from seeing your activity. While information may not be stored directly on your computer, your activities are still known to the website you’re visiting, your Internet Service Provider and the organization providing your internet connection, like a workplace, school, or cafe. Your government can also request information about your activities online if needed.
It doesn’t prevent websites from collecting your data. When you log into an account, even while using private browsing, the websites can still collect data about your activities. For example, if you log into Amazon, a record of your activities while on Amazon will be saved to their servers. The same applies to Twitter, Facebook, your email provider, and any other website requiring that you sign in.
It doesn’t protect you from online threats. Malware, viruses, scams, and other online threats are everywhere online. Using private browsing doesn’t include protection from these threats. The same threats can be downloaded to your computer. The best way to protect from these threats is to block them at the browser level by using a browser protection tool, like Guardio.
In short: Incognito mode is a great way to hide information from other users of your computer, but if you’re looking for true privacy or true security, you aren’t going to achieve that using Incognito mode.
Pro Tip: Boost Your Privacy Beyond Incognito Mode
While Incognito mode offers some privacy, it’s far from a complete solution. Here’s how you can enhance your privacy for real online security:
- Use a trusted VPN: A VPN hides your IP address, encrypting your internet activity so even your internet provider can’t track your online behavior.
- Activate privacy-focused browser extensions: Tools like ad blockers or anti-tracking extensions can stop websites from collecting your data.
- Clear cookies manually: Incognito mode doesn’t stop websites from leaving cookies during your session. Clear them regularly to avoid being tracked across sites.
- Consider a secure browser: Privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Firefox offer built-in protections against trackers and fingerprinting, giving you a more secure browsing experience.
By combining these tools, you can truly safeguard your online privacy—not just mask it temporarily like Incognito mode does.
Conclusion
Private browsing modes, such as Incognito Mode or Private Browsing, offer the convenience of erasing local browsing history, search data, and cookies. However, they do not provide true privacy or security. These modes are designed to hide your activity from others who use the same device but cannot prevent websites, Internet Service Providers, or other entities from tracking your online activities. They also do not protect against malware, spyware, or other online threats.
To achieve genuine privacy and security, additional tools like browser protection software and secure browsing practices are essential. In short, private browsing is not a comprehensive solution for online privacy or security.
Related articles:
- How to Browse Safely Using Incognito Mode
- Browser Safety: Why It Is Important
- Everything You Need to Know About Windows Firewall
- 7 Internet Security Threats You Must Know About
- What Are Browser Hijackers and How Are They Risking Your Privacy and Safety
