Before you search something sketchy, read this. Incognito might not be the shield you think it is.

The Myth We All Fall For

Most people assume Incognito (or Private Browsing) is some kind of cloak of online invisibility. No history, no cookies, no trace. Right?

Well… sort of.

Incognito only hides your activity from other people using the same device. It doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, or form entries on your computer. But that’s where the privacy ends.

Here’s who can still see everything you do in Incognito mode:

– Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
– Your employer or school (if you’re on their Wi-Fi)
– The websites you visit
– Anyone spying on your network (like at a coffee shop with sketchy Wi-Fi)

What Incognito Actually Does

Let’s get technical for a sec—but in plain English:

– ✅ Doesn’t save your browsing history locally
– ✅ Deletes cookies when you close the window
– ✅ Prevents auto-fill suggestions and remembered logins
– ❌ Doesn’t hide your IP address
– ❌ Doesn’t stop websites from tracking you in real time
– ❌ Doesn’t protect you from malware, phishing, or snooping

Real Privacy Tips (That Work)

If you want to browse without leaving breadcrumbs all over the internet, here are a few smarter moves:

• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network): Hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic.
• Use a privacy-focused browser like Brave or Firefox (with strict settings).
• Consider DuckDuckGo for search: Doesn’t track you or filter your results.
• Get in the habit of logging out of accounts while browsing.

So… Should You Stop Using Incognito?

Nah. It has its place. Just know what it does—and what it doesn’t.

It’s a local privacy tool. That’s all.

If you’re handling sensitive info, don’t rely on Incognito. Layer up. Think of it like online sunscreen—it helps a bit, but you wouldn’t wear SPF 15 in the middle of the desert and call it good.

Final Thought

Privacy online isn’t automatic. It’s earned through habits. Incognito is a single step. Not the whole staircase.

And now that you know better? You won’t fall for the myth again.