A private browser cannot counteract any tracking software running on your device, as is often the case with devices provided by schools, employers and other institutions. Brush up on your knowledge about how to maintain safe online techniques by visiting our post about increasing your online security practices.Īnd, finally, a word to the wise: using an incognito mode on your work computer will not prevent your employer from being privy to your online activity. You’ll need some anti-virus software and well-practiced online safety measures instead. If you click on a link in a web page that introduces malicious software into your device, no amount of privacy measures can put a stop to it. One more limitation of private browsing should be noted here: your favorite private browser cannot prevent your device from being infected by malware or viruses. Learn more about online privacy tactics by visiting our related post about how to use a VPN. If you want increased privacy, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). For example, when you access a webpage, the site you’re visiting can still see your geographical information, your time spent on their site and your interactions with their page. Your location, device and site activity can still be gleaned from your private browsing session.

If you’d like to learn more about third-party tracking, visit our related post about browser cookies.Īgain, though, if you want total privacy online, a private browsing mode is not enough. Some of these browsers have varying degrees of tracking protection, so be sure to check your browser’s current policies and settings regarding cookie acceptance. These include Firefox, Safari, Brave, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera and more. By now, many browsers automatically block third-party cookies by default. Although the protection is not all-encompassing, private browsers can provide you with a little more piece of mind as you handle sensitive information online. Another benefit of private browsing is that it can help block third-party access to your data.

Brave incognito tab