Google Chrome Incognito Mode – Tips to Enhance Security
Tips about using Incognito mode window in Chrome browser.
How to Open and Close Chrome Browser in Privacy Mode?
You can use Chrome browser privately in multiple ways as described below.
Click ‘Start’ button (Windows logo) on your computer and scroll through list of apps and right-click on the icon of Chrome browser and then select New Incognito window.
Right-click the Google Chrome logo in the taskbar on bottom of screen and select New Incognito window from the pane menu options.
While browsing a webpage, if you want to open a link, in privacy mode, right-click that link and select Open link in Incognito window.
While on any tab in Chrome browser, click three dots to open ‘Settings and more’ and then select New Incognito window.
→ Watch Video Tutorial below.
Please keep in mind that you cannot use incognito tab in a normal window of Chrome browser.
To close an Incognito window, you simply need to click the ‘X’ on top right corner to close the window.
In Android mobile phone, click three dots on top right corner, and select ‘New Incognito Tab’ option.
What Incognito Browsing in Google Chrome Browser do?
In fact, during private browsing, Chrome browser does not save or remember your browsing history and data. Browser deletes browsing history, download history, cookies and other site data, cached images and files, passwords, autofill form data, site permissions and hosted app data after you close all Incognito windows.
Are You Really Secure During Private Mode Browsing?
During Incognito browsing, you ‘feel’ private and secret than you actually are. In my view, you may be at more risk of malicious attacks from the websites, you are going to open during Incognito mode.
During Incognito mode, web browser still downloads cookies and files but what it does, it only removes those files after you close the window. Google clearly tells the fact that while browsing websites in Incognito mode, your browsing activity can still be seen by websites, device administrators (your employer or school), internet service provider, and search engines. [RD]
In 2024, Google also clarified that the ‘Incognito Mode’ of Chrome is Not as private as you might think.
In fact, you limit the normal helpful features of browser during privacy mode; for example, you cannot re-open the recently closed tabs or windows from history button in toolbar.
Personally, I do not like the idea of Incognito or incognito browsing, because you are only trying to hide yourself from trusted browser while exposing yourself to malicious sites.
How Can You Enhance Privacy and Security in Incognito Mode?
You can guard your privacy in somewhat better way by following below measures.
Turn OFF your location in Settings
To keep private your keyboard typing data, open computer settings, then privacy & security, then turn off the toggle button under ‘inking & typing personalization’ option
You should block cookies from third parties by toggling the button ON next to the ‘Block third-party cookies’ option.
You should use Incognito mode of Chrome browser while using a device at public place such as café or library. At home, you do not need to use Incognito mode except some personal reasons.
While using computer at a public place, it is a wise idea to avoid logging into sensitive accounts such as Facebook or Google even in Incognito mode. Don’t forget to sign out of your important accounts at public devices.
After implementing above measures, some websites may not open normally during Incognito window. Therefore, I suggest you adopt above measure temporarily, only for Incognito browsing. Change above settings to previous values after your private session.
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