2 Often Missed Weaknesses of Google Incognito Mode
Most people are have heard of Google Incognito mode, mostly for hiding their online activities from others who shared their computers. And this function within Chrome does have its use, especially considering the myriad tracking techniques available in today’s world. Besides hiding your browsing history without needing you to delete it, Google Incognito Mode can protect you from:
- Cookies: websites often deposit a small file on your computer to identify your behavior. Incognito Mode can prevent your traffic and browsing history from being revealed.
- Browser fingerprinting: websites collect information as you visit, including add-ons, installed fonts, and extensions. Incognito Mode allows you to hide this from the websites.
However, what we are more interested in is what Google Incognito mode cannot protect from. These primary shortcomings include DNS issues and spying from system administrators.
DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which converts alphabetic input into a site’s IP address. When you browse online, your browser would seek the site’s IP address, information which is then shared with your Internet Service Provider (ISP)’s DNS server. Yet, this information can be sold by your ISP to advertisers.
System Admin
Not everyone uses the internet from the comfort of their own homes. From coffee shops to offices, internet cafes to schools, dozens of possibilities exist for the network administrator of where you are browsing to spy on you. Since you are using their network, hiding your activity through Incognito Mode is not going to be effective.
Solution
To get around these weaknesses, one must use anonymous software and browsers, such as combining a VPN with Tor browser, a service which is supported by premium VPN companies like ExpressVPN.