You might have heard someone say, “Hey, open that in incognito mode!” But what exactly is incognito mode, and does it truly make you anonymous online? Let’s delve deeper and understand its implications for 2024.
What Incognito Mode Does
Incognito mode, also known as private browsing in some browsers, is a way to tell your web browser not to store information about the websites you visit. This means:
- Your browsing history (the websites you visited) isn’t saved.
- The browser doesn’t store any cookies, which websites use to remember things about your visit.
- Search queries and form data entered are also not saved by the browser.
In simpler terms, incognito mode helps your browser forget what you did online.
Does Incognito Mode Make You Anonymous?
No, not entirely. Incognito mode isn’t a wall between you and the rest of the internet. Here’s what it doesn’t hide:
- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP): Your ISP can see how much data you’re using and which websites you connect to, even when you’re in incognito mode.
- Websites: Websites can still see your IP address, a unique identifier for your computer. Using this, websites can potentially guess your location.
- Malware: Incognito mode doesn’t protect you from malware. If you visit a suspicious website, malware can still download onto your device.
When to Use Incognito Mode
Incognito mode can be useful when browsing on a device that isn’t yours, like a library computer. This way, you can ensure your browsing history isn’t saved on that device.
It can also be used if you don’t want to be logged into an account you’re already signed in to. For example, if you want to read a restaurant review while signed into your Google account, incognito mode can prevent Google from showing you ads related to that restaurant.
Additional Tips for Safe Browsing
Incognito mode is a starting point, but it doesn’t guarantee complete security. Here are some additional things you can do for safe browsing:
- Use a strong anti-virus and anti-malware software.
- Only visit websites you trust.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Keep your browser updated.
- Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added privacy.