Does Private Browsing Really Protect Your Online Privacy?
Anxieties about online privacy are at an all-time high as more browsing behavior is logged and monetized. The emphasis has shifted towards private browsing mode settings, but are private browsers private? Let’s look at how private browsers function, what they can and cannot do to make browsing sessions safe and secure, and what other efforts you can take to increase your online privacy and security.
Defining Private browsing
Private browsing, sometimes known as incognito mode, is a browser setting that does not keep track of your browsing history, cookies, site data, or logins.
That may appear to be an excellent technique to conceal your browsing history, and it is — but only to a point. While your browser will not store specific data, sites, some search engines, and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still observe your browsing activities.
As a result, private browsing is only sometimes as private as many of us would want. However, as we’ll see, its fundamental functionalities continue to provide a valuable layer of anonymity for users on shared devices. When used with a tool such as free VPN chrome, private browsing can be an asset to dissuade concerns around online privacy.
But first, let’s look at what private browsing accomplishes and how those capabilities differ from what most people think.
What Is The Purpose Of Private Browsing?
Prevents history from being tracked
As you visit the web, most browsers save your history permanently. When you use private or incognito mode, your browsing history is immediately erased when you close the browser. This reduces hard disk clutter and makes it safer to use a computer with others, but it can also make it more difficult to find a previously viewed page.
Fills in user passwords automatically
Most common browsers, in addition to private browsing modes, include built-in password managers that save and autofill user credentials for increased convenience. Most of these built-in password managers should be avoided because they do not encrypt the data. While in private mode, certain password managers will permit you to autofill previously saved passwords. However, any new logins you store during the session will be wiped with the cookies and tracking information.
Cookies are deleted
Cookies, often known as magic cookies, are small pieces of data left on your computer to let a website remember you (and your preferences) for future sessions. This practice is known as browser fingerprinting. When you exit private mode, the cookies accumulated during browsing are quickly deleted. As removing your stored cookies regularly is an intelligent cybersecurity practice, this is a side advantage of browsing in private mode.
Where Does Private Browsing Fall Short?
One of the most common misconceptions regarding private browsing is that it is entirely personal, which it is not.
Though your browser will not save your history or data in private browsing, the websites and search engines you visit will. Third parties, on the other hand, make little distinction between browsing modes – it’s all the same to them.
As a result, private browsing only does a few things, particularly regarding your privacy and identification. Here are some of the most crucial points to remember.
It has no effect on your ISP’s ability to track your location and the websites you visit
One widespread misperception is that private browsing stops your internet service provider from knowing what websites you visited or where you were when you checked in. Although “incognito” means “unknown” in Latin, your browsing history and location is still known to your ISP, company, or school, depending on your network.
It does not safeguard you against viruses
Although cookies and other site data are immediately erased when you stop a private session, this does not apply to any viruses or malware you’ve encountered. Spyware installed on your smartphone might still track your behavior in incognito mode. Continue to run your antivirus software to protect yourself from viruses and malware, and exercise caution when engaging with links from unknown sources.
Passwords kept on browsers are not automatically erased
Although you won’t be able to save new information in private mode, any passwords you previously saved in your browser should be deleted once you’ve discovered a safer alternative, such as a secure standalone password manager. Unencrypted passwords, usernames, card numbers, and account information stored on browsers can be revealed during a cyberattack.
Finding better security solutions
Private browsing does not safeguard your data, passwords, or identity, but you can evolve your cybersecurity using private browser settings and the correct cyber tools and practices.
Any communication to or from your device is directed through a secure, encrypted portal on a private server when you use a VPN. Your IP address is concealed when using a VPN as an intermediary, and your location and identity cannot be tracked. A VPN is convenient when using public WiFi at airports, cafés, or other public places. The secure pathway also shields you from hacking techniques such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks aimed at intercepting data in public places.
Wrapping up
Private browsing is a simple solution to protect your browsing history and prevent being monitored.
It will not, however, prevent websites, search engines, or your ISP from monitoring your IP address and browsing data. As a result, more privacy-conscious consumers should consider using a VPN.
