Incognito mode

What is incognito mode in simple words

Incognito mode (private mode) is a browser feature that does not save your history, cookies, cache and entered data on the device after closing the window. It is as if you used the internet wearing disposable gloves — traces remain, but not on your computer.

When you open an incognito window, the browser creates a separate session isolated from your main history. Everything you do in this window does not affect your usual settings and recommendations. After closing the window, all temporary data is deleted.

According to statistics, more than 70% of internet users use incognito mode. Most often it is enabled to search for gifts (so that sites do not show intrusive ads of a surprise), to log into accounts from someone else's computer and for private viewing of content that should not affect history and recommendations.

It is important to understand: incognito mode hides history only from other users of your device. Your internet provider, the network owner (for example, at work or in a cafe) and the websites you visit still see your activity. Read about how to hide activity from the provider in the article Information security.

How incognito mode works

Technically, incognito mode works as follows: when a new window is opened, the browser creates a temporary profile that is not connected to the user's main profile. All cookies, cache data and browsing history are written to RAM and exist only until the window is closed. As soon as you close the last incognito window, all this data is permanently deleted.

This means that websites you visit in incognito mode will not be able to link your activity with previous sessions through cookies. However, they still see your IP address and can use other identification methods, such as fingerprinting (collecting unique characteristics of your device). Therefore, incognito does not make you completely anonymous on the internet, but only provides local privacy on your device.

Different browsers implement private mode differently. In Chrome it is called “Incognito mode”, in Firefox — “Private Browsing”, in Safari — “Private Browsing”, in Edge — “InPrivate”. The basic operating principle is the same for all: an isolated session that leaves no traces on the device.

What incognito mode hides

• Browsing history: No one who sits down at your computer after you will see which websites you opened.
• Cookies: Temporary site files are deleted, so sites do not remember you after the window is closed.
• Form data: Entered logins, passwords and search queries will not be offered for autofill in the future.
• Cache: Temporary page files (pictures, scripts) are not saved.
• Web storage data: LocalStorage and SessionStorage are cleared after closing the window.
• Service Workers: Temporary background scripts are not saved.

What incognito mode does NOT hide

• Your IP address: All websites and your provider see where you are connecting from.
• Your activity from the provider: The internet provider sees all the websites you visit.
• Your activity from the network owner: If you are at work or in a cafe, the network administrator sees your traffic.
• Your activity from websites: The websites you visit see your IP address and can identify you.
• Bookmarks: Added pages will be saved in the browser.
• Downloaded files: Documents or photos downloaded to the device will remain in your gadget's memory.
• Your actions in other windows: Incognito windows are isolated from regular windows, but not from each other — if you opened several incognito windows, they use one session.

Read about how to protect data on the internet in the article Digital footprint.

When to use incognito mode

Incognito mode is useful in the following situations: searching for gifts so that sites do not show intrusive ads; logging into several accounts at the same time (for example, two mailboxes); using someone else's computer; checking how a site looks for a new user; viewing content that should not affect recommendations and history.

However, you should not use incognito for accessing confidential data through unsecured networks (for example, public Wi-Fi), since traffic is not encrypted and can be intercepted. Also, incognito does not protect from viruses, phishing and other threats — for this you need an antivirus and vigilance.

Incognito and corporate security

In a corporate environment, incognito mode is often disabled by administrators through group policies. This is done to prevent data leakage and ensure control over employees' actions. In organizations working with personal data and trade secrets, the use of incognito may be prohibited by the security policy.

If you work with government information systems or process personal data, it is recommended to use only corporate browsers with centralized policy management. This will ensure compliance with regulator requirements, including Federal Law 152-FZ.