When browsing the Internet, an option offered by many browsers is to use the incognito mode. It basically means that our data is not stored. For example, the history of visited sites, the name or password when we log in to email or social networks, etc. Now, does this help security? In this article we explain why you should not trust this option if what you want is greater protection.
Incognito mode does not improve your security
You can activate it in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, for example. It is true that it helps improve privacy and have no problems, but it doesn’t really help improve security. At least not in the way many believe. Yes, you can prevent your data from being stored if you go to a public computer to print something, for example. But that is not going to avoid everything that we are going to explain to you.
You can download viruses
A clear example is that it will not protect you from viruses and malware in general. Even if you are browsing in incognito mode with your browser, you may end up on a fake page where you are invited to click on a fake link that leads you to download a document that actually contains a virus or malware.
In this case, beyond using the incognito mode or not, it is key not to make mistakes and maintain common sense at all times. Avoid clicking where you shouldn’t and make sure you always enter official and safe sites.
Phishing attacks
Another problem that you can suffer is the Phishing attacks. They could send you a fake email, a message on social networks or even enter through a web page to a site that is actually a scam. There they will ask you to log in or enter some personal information and all this will end up in the hands of the attackers.
There, once again, incognito mode cannot protect you. It will depend on you, not to make the mistake of putting your data where you shouldn’t. Only common sense and not making mistakes will protect you from Phishing attacks. Yes, you can install plugins for Chrome or Firefox against Phishing.
You could use dangerous extensions
Although in many cases the extensions They are configured by default not to work in incognito mode, but you can still configure them. If you use extensions in this mode, you will run the same risk as if you browse normally, simply through the common method.
Therefore, what you should always do is take care of the extensions that you are going to install. Avoid adding plugins that may be a security issue. Don’t make mistakes and always keep common sense.
Your computer does not depend on the browser
Keep in mind also that it is not only the browser what matters. They can attack your computer through a dangerous Wi-Fi network, a vulnerable program or any connection you make. Not only is the browser the only source of cyber attacks, so you could get into trouble through other means.
Therefore, you may have your browser configured in incognito mode, but you could still get infected by other means. Always use a good antivirus, keep everything updated and use common sense. That will help you improve your security on the network.
