Generally, incognito mode deletes a user’s browsing history and cookies when the session is closed down. But in most cases, it won’t delete any bookmarks or downloaded data. Deleting the browsing history can be useful when, for example, multiple people are using the same computer. When a person browses in private, subsequent users won’t be able to check which websites were previously opened.
Internet providers and network administrators – and employers checking PCs – can usually monitor which websites a user browsed, even when incognito mode is active. Private mode does not traditionally secure one’s browsing history against trackers or analysis tool that websites use to understand surfing behaviors. Neither does it protect against malware, such as key loggers or spyware. Some browsers like Mozilla Firefox have extended their features for enhanced security measures. These settings are separate from incognito mode.
Browsing in private mode usually means that users sharing the same PC cannot check a previous user’s browsing history. Most browsers will also delete cookies when surfing incognito. But beware: incognito mode does not guarantee anonymous surfing. If you’re looking to anonymize your browsing activities, you’ll need to choose alternative options.