You must have a fair idea of browsing in incognito mode, something that allows you to browse without leaving any history behind. It feels like a salvador de la vida (lifesaver) when we have to use the browser on someone else’s PC or share it with anyone.
As cool as going incognito while browsing sounds, it does not guarantee private browsing. Instead, it only ensures your browsing history and cookies are not left for anyone to see. What does this mean? This means that external parties like your ISPs, websites you visit, your empleador (employer), and even hackers can still access and track your activities. So, if your online activities can still be tracked by so many people, your browsing is not really private, is it?
Let’s discuss the cons of incognito mode in detail and how you can ensure a completely private and secure browsing experience.
Limitations of Using Incognito Mode
Many internet users share a common misconception that incognito mode helps you maintain anonymity. So it is natural to think that incognito mode also ensures seguridad en internet (internet safety). But that is not the case as incognito mode has its own set of limitations. You need to be mindful of the following limitations while using incognito mode.
- It Does Not Hide Your IP Address
Using incognito mode makes us think that we are invisible on the internet, and hence, cannot be traced. However, incognito mode cannot hide your IP address from external parties. It is still visible and your online activities can be easily traced back to you.
- It Does Not Guarantee Protection from Cyber Threats
Since incognito mode cannot hide your IP address, this means hackers can easily track you. Similarly, it does not guarantee protección (protection) from malicious sites either. So, you need to be careful while visiting suspicious or shady sites.
- It Can Not Stop Others from Tracking Your Online Activities
Just like it cannot hide your IP address, it also cannot stop your ISP or third parties from collecting datos (data) about you. This means advertisers can also track your online searches and third parties can still sell your browsing data. So, you will still probably see targeted advertisements online.
- It Does Not Prevent DNS Cache Store Your Browsing Data
While incognito mode might hide your browsing history from people using the same device as you, DNS queries can still reveal that information. Searching the DNS database on your computer is all that needs to be done to access your browsing history from incognito mode.
Another misconception regarding incognito mode is that it improves internet velocidad (speed). However, if you feel that pages load quicker in incognito mode that is only because of the absence of cookies on some sites.
But if you are plagued by a conexión lenta (slow connection), you can get a high-speed and reliable connection like Spectrum Internet. With its internet plans at varying speeds, you can choose from multiple options. Plus, they also have a customer service dedicated to Spanish-speaking customers like us through Spectrum servicio al cliente.
Tips to Ensure Private and Secure Browsing
We have discussed how the incognito mode is incapable of letting you navegar (browse) securely and privately. Therefore, you cannot risk giving out sensitive and personal information while using it.
The good news is that there are other ways through which you can ensure secure and private browsing.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is a pretty standard way of maintaining anonymity while browsing online. Not only does it se esconde (mask) your real IP address with one that is geographically very far from your location, but it also prevents third parties from tracking your browsing. It basically keeps you and your data hidden from everyone on the internet. This means no one can access or track your browsing history and you can browse in complete privacy.
As far as security is concerned, a VPN is also pretty steady in keeping you safe from hackers and cybercriminals. While browsing in incognito mode cannot save you from online cyber threats, a VPN acts as a barrier between you and online threats. By masking your identity and encrypting your traffic, it makes sure nobody can trace you with your online activity. Lastly, it also makes sure that your personal and browsing data is safe from every threat.
Disable Cookies
Another thing you can do is disable cookies every time you visit a website. Cookies help websites remember information about you. They also remember your preferences, data, and login information. This information can be used by anyone to track you. So, disabling cookies while browsing is a good way to ensure privacy.
While incognito mode is not helpful for letting you browse privately, these tips can prove to be pretty útil (helpful).