Have you ever used “incognito mode” on your browser to go to places on the internet thinking you wouldn’t be tracked? Maybe you have been shopping for the surprise vacation for your significant other or shopping for a birthday gift and you didn’t want the person to know about it. Maybe you are using it for more “nefarious” reasons to visit the depths of the internet… you know what I mean!
Here are a couple of myths about Incognito Mode on Google’s Chrome Browser that are just that; myths:
- Myth: Your data is hidden. FALSE Google and all other websites can still track where you visit, what you click on and use their artificial intelligence (AI) to track your usage and anticipate what you might want next.
- Myth: Anyone who uses my computer will not be able to see what I have done. FALSE Although the browsing history is muted in the incognito mode, your activity is still on your computer through different paths.
In reality, there is very little privacy provided by Google’s incognito mode. If you truly want privacy, your best bet is to get a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your property.
In theory, a VPN encrypts your information and hides your IP address, which prevents websites from tracking you. The VPN makes it look like you are always accessing the internet from different locations, all of which are “pseudolocations” (That’s a Brian Pate Word right there!) preventing websites from identifying your true location.
The VPN basically makes your location virtual and untraceable.
Keep in mind the VPN will slow your browsing down somewhat and many people are too impatient these days.
Whenever I access public WIFI, I ALWAYS use my VPN connection to reach the internet. It protects data on your phone, tablet or computer.
There are two VPN suppliers that I recommend. One is NordVPN and the other is through Norton Antivirus as part of their security package.
In this day and age where everything you do is being tracked online, it is a good idea to protect yourself when you can.