It is not entirely possible to use the Internet without leaving a digital
footprint behind. However, private browsing can offer a lot of protection and
keep you relatively safe. Web browsers are equipped with private
browsing
capabilities, e.g., Internet Explorer has an 'InPrivate' mode for secure
browsing, and Google Chrome has 'InCognito' mode for private sessions.
With private browsing, you can keep your search data and other information
protected. Private browsing alone cannot provide you complete protection
against data theft, but it is an effective measure you must take.
What Is Private Browsing?
Data related to every website you visit is stored in your Internet browser's
history, cache, and cookies. The browser remembers the URLs of the websites you
visit and files you download. Cookies track your activity on different sites to
provide you a better and faster user experience.
It's all fine if you use a private computer and your data does not contain any
valuable information. However, if you use a public computer and you are
concerned about your data getting stolen, or you are uncomfortable knowing that
your digital footprint is trackable and don't want to leave any breadcrumbs
behind then use Private browser.
If you use the browser's private mode, all the information is stored until your
session completes. Once you close your private session, you don't leave any
trail behind, and none of your data remains stored on the system.
How To Stay Safe Online?
i. Good Digital Habits
Don't download anything or click anywhere if you are not sure about the
website. Avoid downloading pirated content and software as they are often
loaded with spyware and other malicious software.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi network if it offers unfettered access to the network.
If you connect to a genuine public Wi-Fi network, avoid exposing sensitive data
such as banking passwords and login information.
ii. SSL Certified Websites
SSL certificate provides secure connection for the exchange of
information between browser and server. Make sure that you are dealing with URL
of the website begins with 'HTTPS' instead of 'HTTP.' A green padlock icon in
the address bar confirms that the site is SSL certified with SSL certificate
like Positive
SSL
certificate.
SSL stands for 'Secure Sockets Layer', and it provides encrypted link between
web broser and server to handle sensitive information, such as customer names,
phone numbers, account numbers, credit card numbers, and more.
iii. Keep Your System Guarded And
Updated
Developers use updates to fix any security vulnerabilities. That's why it is
important to keep your system updated. A good anti-virus program will keep your
system protected from most potential attacks.
Benefits Of Browsing Internet
Privately
·
Privacy
When you use a shared computer and browse the internet in private mode, the
websites you visit will never appear in the search history, no matter how many
times you visit a website.
·
Minimize History
Whether it’s your work computer or personal computer, having as little personal
data stored as possible is the best way to protect your information. It reduces
the risk of your data getting stolen, and it saves space on your disk as well.
·
Security
Any cookies generated during a private browsing session gets automatically
deleted when you close the window. If you are concerned about your accounts'
security while signing in on a shared computer, a private browsing session can
help you with that. Even if you forget to sign out of your account, the sign-in
cookie will be deleted when you close the browsing session. With the deletion of
the cookie, your account will be automatically signed out, and nobody could log
into your account maliciously.
·
Testing
If you want to open a website you are not so sure about, but still, you want to
give it a try, private browsing is the way to go.
·
Multiple Sessions
Cookies are not shared between
the normal window and a private browsing window. You can login to the second
account on the same website without first signing out from your first account.
For instance, if you are signed in with your Google account, and your friend
wants to check his Gmail account, a private browsing session is a way to go.
·
eCommerce Tracking
Many websites use your search data and cookies to bring deals according to your
needs. For instance, airline websites have data about your previous search
history if you tried to check the price of a ticket. From the user data, they
can find out which customer is highly likely to purchase a ticket. Sometimes,
they offer higher discounts to new customers. You can check the price of the
ticket using a private browser session to make sure that you are paying the
minimum amount on your tickets.
Same way, if you want an e-commerce platform to list your prices without
accessing your data, you can use a private session.
How To Enhance Privacy Further?
You can use TOR browser and a VPN connection from a reliable provider for
enhanced privacy. Your browsing will still not be completely private, but these
options can improve your privacy further.
How To Browse the Internet Privately?
Chrome's Incognito Mode
1.
You can click the Google Chrome's 'Control Google Chrome
Button' in the top-right corner with three dots and select 'new Incognito
Window' for private browsing.
2.
Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+Shift+N to launch a new
Incognito window.
3.
While right-clicking a link, you will see an option to open
link in Incognito window.
Firefox's Private Mode
1.
Click the control button in the upper right corner and click 'New
Private Window'.
2. Alternatively, you can
also press Ctrl+Shift+P to launch a private window.
Microsoft's Edge's InPrivate Mode
1.
Click the '...' button in the top-right corner of the window
and select new 'InPrivate Window'.
2.
Alternatively, you can also press Ctrl+Shift+P or
Ctrl+Shift+N to launch a private window.
Conclusion
Browsing the Internet in private mode comes handy in many different scenarios.
Private browsing prevents your data from getting saved and enhances your
information security. It reduces the chances of data theft and offers you the
privacy that you need if you are using a shared network.