Does Private Browsing Show Up on Other Devices?

Does Private Browsing Show Up on Other Devices?

We rely a lot on digital devices, but we must admit they pose a privacy nightmare. If you are not careful, your friends and family can stumble upon the wrong folders and Apps.

This may have made you consider private browsing, and you are probably wondering if they are as private as they purport to be.  Our simple answer is no. Private browsers do not entirely hide your browsing history, and your browsing history may pop-up on other devices.

A private browser is an added feature on your browser that can help you do several things, except keep your browsing history anonymous. Moreover, you may think you are safer online when browsing privately, but you are not.  Let’s help you understand this better by delving into what private browsing is.

What is Private Browsing?

Websites cache data such as passwords, usernames, and images to quicken the login process during subsequent visits. However, storing data about users’ activities may compromise their privacy and safety. Besides, some web browsers sell users’ data to third parties, compromising the safety and privacy of the users.

When browsing privately, your browser will still cache your web data and display it on other devices of your device when you revisit the site. For instance, it is not uncommon for your browser to indicate the date and time you last visited a website or App. This may not meet the threshold of browsing privacy you are looking for.

Private browsing will not mask your identity. It was introduced to reduce the number of cookies stored on shared devices. Shared devices store different cookies and may disrupt you with irrelevant information meant for other users and not you.

When you browse privately, all cookies, search history, and browsing history are deleted automatically, limiting the data that websites can store regarding your browsing.  Some private browsers may also screen your location but not your identity.

How Private is Incognito Browsing?

Incognito or private browsing will conceal your search and browsing history and erase cookies on the device you are using. However, the information may be available on other devices and networks.

For instance, government agencies, your employer, and an internet service provider may access this information, including your browsing history, cookies, and password. This tells you that there is nothing private about private or incognito browsing.

How Private Browsers Work

All private browsers do not work the same way. Most of them erase cookies and your browsing history on your device. Some may even hide information about the files you downloaded and your location.

However, third parties may still track your browsing history by looking at the kind of cookies you used during your incognito browsing sessions.

Private browsing does not secure you against phishing and other cybercrimes. You need cybersecurity services from reliable firms like Palindrome Consulting to protect your business data and devices from malicious infiltration.

You can download malware into your device when browsing privately. Also, if there is spyware installed on your device, it could still steal sensitive information about you and expose your location and browsing history.

When Should You Browse on Private Mode?

Browse on private mode when using a shared device. For instance, if you occasionally allow your employees and friends to use your computer or smartphone, browsing on the private mode will bar them from stumbling on some data and sites you would not want them to.

This could be data on your financial transactions, sensitive communication with your clients or bank, or visits to adult sites. This will save you from embarrassment and shield the other users from finding out things you may want to keep confidential.

You may also use incognito mode when using devices in public offices, such as a doctor’s office. Sometimes your doctor may ask you to fill in a form on his or her computer. If you do not log in privately, the data may remain easily accessible to anyone else using the computer. The private mode will conceal the information.

Private browsing may also help you when you want to keep some activities private. It may come in handy when planning a surprise party or shopping for a gift for a loved one with whom you share a device.

Private browsing is also helpful when you want to access multiple accounts simultaneously. This may be necessary when signed in to your social media account and someone else requests your devices to use it to open their accounts. If the second user uses private mode, you will not need to log out first.

What is the Alternative?

While private browsing does not offer you the privacy and security you may be looking for, it does not mean there is no way of getting it. Invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to enjoy private and safe browsing.

A VPN protects you by encrypting your data from a user to a website. That way, third parties, and internet service providers may not collect your data and information. Your VPN will also delete cookies, search and browsing history and hide the IP of your device.

Your VPN will also keep you safe from some cybercrimes like malware and ransomware. However, you should still employ your cybersecurity measure since cybercriminals keep looking for ways to bypass existing cybersecurity barriers.

Like any other technology, VPN also has limitations. Using VPN may slow down your browsing speed and increase website buffering time. This may disadvantage you when you want to watch or conduct video-based engagements. Besides, it may not offer you 100% success since some firms keep strengthening their anti-VPN software to limit access to their content.

Get in touch with Palindrome Consulting for all your cybersecurity needs. We are the leading Cybersecurity consulting and solutions providers in South Florida, working with small and medium-sized businesses looking to get maximum returns on their IT investments.

Contact us for phone or video consultation. And if the issue requires in-person attention, we will be available to come and work on it promptly. With our affordable rates, we guarantee you that we deliver what we promise.