In the world of internet browsing, concern for privacy often makes us turn to “incognito mode”. The go-to feature available on popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari promises to hide our online footsteps. But the big question remains: Can someone track incognito browsing? Is it truly hack-proof from prying eyes?
Read more: The Risks of Incognito Mode
Unveiling the mechanics
Private browsing (aka incognito mode) is a great way to prevent your web browser from saving what you do. However, it’s important to question whether it truly lives up to its reputation as the privacy fortress we imagine it to be? In reality, calling it privacy-focused might be a stretch.
Incognito mode stands as a beacon of temporary anonymity. With its promise to forget everything you do, it creates an illusion of a clean slate where your browsing history remains unrecorded and cookies vanish into thin air.
In simpler words – picture this: an empty canvas, ready to be filled in with your digital endeavors. It offers a fresh start, free from the virtual footprints that typically follow your browsing activities – for better or for worse.
The sneaky truth
Yes, Google’s incognito mode is a great way to hide your online antics — however, a recent study conducted by Vanderbilt University showed an unexpected revelation about Google’s incognito mode. While many users rely on incognito mode to conceal their online activities, the study exposes a significant loophole that could potentially leave them exposed.
The research aimed to understand how Google collects information from various devices and services, including Android, Chromebooks, Google, YouTube, and the Chrome web browser. What emerged from the study was a surprising finding about the supposed privacy of incognito mode.
Contrary to popular belief, it was discovered that Google can still track and record the websites you visit while in incognito (private) mode, which has been further supported by AP News. Even within the confines of this supposedly private browsing experience, Google has the ability to link your browsing history to your identity.
This unexpected revelation raises questions about the true extent of privacy that the Incognito mode provides. It prompts us to reconsider our assumptions about online anonymity and the potential implications of relying solely on this feature.
The Incognito loophole
Here’s the catch: when you log back into your Google account before exiting Incognito mode, a retroactive connection can be made between your browsing data and your account. This means that Google has the ability to see the information you accessed while in Incognito mode and link it to your Google identity.
The process works by taking the previously anonymous cookies generated during your Incognito browsing session and associating them with your Google account.
The recent study conducted by computer science professor Douglas Schmidt has shed light on a significant loophole in Google’s Incognito Mode, which, according to him, is not well understood by consumers.
Schmidt emphasizes that reading the fine print surrounding “incognito” mode reveals a multitude of disclaimers and considerations.
Schmidt revealed that Google has the capability to collect all the necessary information required to link your browsing activities to your identity. This revelation raises concerns about the true extent of privacy offered by Incognito mode and the potential advantages Google gains from this data correlation.
What’s worse, all this came out after Google was sued for tracking ‘private’ internet users, as reported by NBC News.
The tracking mechanisms
Yes, Incognito mode is perfect for hiding that surprise present for a loved one, but it’s definitely not the right choice to remain anonymous. Wondering can your private browsing be traced? Unfortunately, yes and here’s how:
- Over-the-shoulder tracking
The most obvious form of tracking is when someone literally watches over your screen, and Incognito mode doesn’t create any special force-field that blocks everyone but you from seeing your monitor. To read more about shoulder surfing, check out our blog.
- Network logs
While private browsing hides your local logs, network logging can still track your online activities on networks. Consider encrypting or redirecting your traffic for enhanced protection.
- Website tracking
Private browsing fails to hide your identity and geographical location from websites. To learn more about it check out our blog on online behavioral tracking. To bypass restrictions and appear from a different country, consider using a VPN for enhanced anonymity.
- The man in the middle attacks
Private browsing doesn’t protect against surveillance by your ISP or potential man-in-the-middle attacks, compromising your privacy and exposing your activities.
- Malware and extensions
Private browsing doesn’t shield you from malicious programs (malware), browser extensions, or keyloggers that can monitor your online behavior.
- Browser fingerprinting
Unique characteristics of your browser, hardware, and settings can still be used to track and identify you, rendering private browsing ineffective in preserving online privacy.
Embrace anonymity and digital privacy
Escaping the reach of giant corporations, ISPs, network administrators, and websites may seem like an insurmountable challenge, however, it’s not impossible. Luckily, there’s a way you can bypass these identifiers and still remain covert.
Make VPNs or virtual private networks your best friend when it comes to browsing incognito. By encrypting your internet traffic, VPNs shield you from hackers and prevent unauthorized access. Moreover, the leading virtual private network PureVPN not only cloaks your IP address, which makes it impossible for anyone (including your ISP, government, or intrusive advertisers) to track your online activities as well as offer top notch protocols, extensive customer support and connectivity up to 10 devices.
Besides this, one can opt for PurePrivacy, which allows you to be private yet digitally free. The more we understand how or why our data is collected and how to keep our privacy intact, the safer and healthier our digital lives will be – that’s where PurePrivacy plays a significant role. It keeps an eye on trackers, lowers chances of falling prey to online fraud and identity theft, maintains privacy against third parties, auto delete search history and takes information back from data brokers.
Bottom line
In the vast realm of internet browsing, misconceptions often cloud our understanding of privacy features like incognito mode. Despite the explicit warnings displayed upon opening an incognito tab, many users still have mistaken beliefs that this elusive mode shields their online activities from prying eyes. However, the truth is far from this fanciful notion.
Perhaps it’s the charming “spy in a fedora” icon employed by Google that contributes to this misconception, but the reality is that incognito mode offers no protection against the watchful gaze of ISPs or employers.
Moreover, the convergence of these revelations prompts us to reevaluate our trust in the privacy safeguards provided by technology giants and the need for consumers to be more informed about the implications of their digital actions.
Awareness is crucial to ensure that individuals can make conscious decisions about their online privacy and take appropriate measures to protect their personal information.