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In Google Chrome it's called "Incognito", in Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge it's "InPrivate", etc. All these names imply confidentiality, which misleads some users. The article will explain what incognito mode actually does, how to protect data and maintain privacy online.

What is "Incognito" Mode?​

Incognito mode is a browser setting that allows to hide certain online activities from other users of the device.

When incognito mode is activated, the browser will not save:​

• Search history and visited pages;
• Cookies and site data;
• Information entered in forms;
• Autofill passwords.

Downloaded files will not appear in the downloads panel. However, your actions can still be seen by the websites, the system administrator and internet service provider.

Myths About "Incognito" Mode​

The most widespread misconception is that private mode makes the user invisible online. This is not true. Incognito mode doesn't hide your IP address or digital footprint. Additionally, your actions can be seen by your internet service provider and its partners and if you are using a work computer, your company can also see them. Another dangerous myth is that private browsing will protect your device from malware, keyloggers and other spyware. This is also false. Incognito mode doesn't function as antivirus software and doesn't prevent malware from entering your system. If your computer or phone is already infected, the spyware will see your actions even in private mode.

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There are a huge number of myths surrounding incognito mode and most of them are provoked by the developers of browsers themselves. All these words like "incognito" and "privacy" suggest that security will happen, which is, to put it mildly, not the case. There are many genuinely dangerous misconceptions about this mode: that providers or the government won't see what you've searched for online, that incognito mode protects against viruses, that your IP is hidden in incognito mode, that geolocation cannot be determined, that data sent in this mode will be encrypted and much more. In reality, this mode simply means that data obtained during the session will not be saved on the user's computer or smartphone. That's all.

When is "Incognito" Mode Useful?​

As mentioned above, incognito mode, despite its name, cannot ensure privacy and data protection online. It's important to keep this in mind when using it. Nevertheless, the functionality of incognito mode is still quite convenient and has several advantages:

• It can keep your interests secret from relatives or colleagues;
• It allows you to log into multiple accounts simultaneously by opening additional sessions in incognito mode;
• It makes it harder to collect information about your preferences for targeted advertising;
• It allows you to access your accounts from other devices without fear of leaving access to your account.

If you are the only user of your device, I wouldn't pay much attention to incognito mode. Working in it constantly is quite inconvenient and the tasks it addresses are unlikely to be relevant. I would focus on more useful measures: VPN, application control and so on. If you are concerned about your data, consider regular backups and encryption.

Built-in VPN​

Some browsers offer a built-in VPN when incognito mode is activated. Unfortunately, such features are only half-measures that provide relative security for user information online. Incognito will hide your browsing history, but the built-in VPN is not always as reliable as a standalone application. For example, a VPN provider can also be hacked or it may share user data with third parties. A built-in VPN may be insufficiently secure, collect data or use your device for cryptocurrency mining. The VPN solutions offered within incognito mode (free) either aim to collect user data (about visit statistics, IP addresses, browser fingerprints and behavioral markers) to sell them to web analytics platforms or they significantly limit the performance of such a solution. Don't forget about dangerous VPN servers that steal personal data because they are between the user and the web resource. Sometimes, malicious modules (like miners) are also connected along with the VPN, which brings financial benefits to the VPN or browser owner at the expense of trusting users.

How to Maintain Privacy While Browsing the Internet​

For reliable data protection and complete privacy, incognito mode is not suitable. Additional tools must be used. One solution that offers anonymity online is a VPN from trusted vendors. A virtual private network will encrypt your data and hide your IP address. To ensure data protection and privacy online, the following measures are recommended:

• Use VPN services only from trusted vendors;
• Use reliable, up-to-date and secure browsers;
• Use unique passwords for each account, as well as two-factor authentication wherever possible;
• Be cautious when opening and downloading files from untrusted sources to avoid installing malware;
• Carefully review the privacy policies of websites and services to understand how they handle user data.

It's also important to remember basic common sense and digital hygiene. Avoid downloading random files, refrain from clicking on unknown links and don't enter sensitive information on suspicious websites, etc. The private browsing mode in browsers is a convenient feature, but only if you know how to use it correctly.