Incognito Mode Just Got a Privacy Upgrade — Here’s What You Need to Know

Incognito mode has long been a go-to for private browsing, but for years, its limitations were a quiet secret. While it prevented your activity from being stored locally, it didn’t offer much protection beyond your device. Now, that’s changing.

Recent updates to incognito mode, especially in Google Chrome, have enhanced its privacy capabilities, making it a more serious tool for digital discretion.

What’s New in Incognito Mode?

Until recently, many users believed it hid all online activity. In reality, it mainly stopped your browser from saving your history, cookies and form data. Your internet provider, employer or websites could still track you.

But the latest update includes:

• Improved cookie blocking: Third-party cookies are now blocked by default in incognito mode, limiting how advertisers and trackers follow you around the web.

• Stronger sandboxing: Each incognito session now runs in a more isolated environment, reducing the risk of session leaks.

• Automatic site data wipe: Chrome now deletes more background data when you close an incognito tab, leaving less trace behind.

• Clearer privacy indicators: Updated UX helps users understand what incognito mode does and doesn’t protect.

These upgrades bring incognito mode closer to being a lightweight privacy shield, especially for casual users who want a quick way to browse with fewer digital footprints.

What It Still Doesn’t Do

Despite the improvements, it’s important to understand that it is not a VPN. It won’t hide your IP address, encrypt your traffic or make you anonymous online. Employers, ISPs and websites can still log activity. For genuine privacy, combining incognito mode with tools like VPNs, secure DNS and multi-layered endpoint protection is the smart move.

Why This Matters for Business Users

Many employees assume that using it at work makes them invisible. This misunderstanding can lead to risky behaviour, data leakage or even compliance issues, especially in regulated industries.

IT managers should use this update as a conversation starter: what tools do your teams rely on for privacy and are they enough?

Need to Take Privacy Further? NetVector IT Can Help

If your business depends on secure browsing, data protection and clear digital policies, NetVector IT can help you go beyond incognito mode. From managed VPNs to enterprise-grade security tools and user training, we’ll help you build a smarter, safer digital environment.

Talk to NetVector IT today to explore the right privacy and security solutions for your team.