The good news is it does hide some things. The bad news … It’s not nearly as private as you’d think.
Tech myths you need to stop believing: Private browsing, magnets and computers, bars = service
When it comes to tech myths, I’ve heard ‘em all. That’s why I’m here — to help you keep a handle on what’s real and what’s not. For each of the myths below, I’ve got a step you can take to stay safe or a tech rule of thumb to live by.
Myth: Private browsing is totally private.
Fact: ISPs, advertisers and websites can still spot you. After all, the term “incognito” is rooted in the Latin incognitus, meaning “unknown.” Always log out from sensitive accounts and consider using a VPN for an extra layer of privacy.
Myth: The more megapixels, the better the camera.
Fact: Pixels are just part of the picture; today’s magazine cover photos are often shot with cameras under 20 megapixels! The pros know the software you use is just as important. Oh, and don’t shoot in RAW unless you need to; the files take up so much room.
Myth: Macs are the Fort Knox of computers.
Fact: They’re secure but not invincible. Macs get malware, too. Regularly update your software, and don’t skip those security patches.
Myth: Deleting files means they’re gone forever.
Fact: With the right tools, files can resurface like digital zombies. Your PC’s Recycle Bin? It’s more like a temporary holding zone. Use file-shredding software for sensitive documents to ensure they’re truly deleted.
Myth: Charging phones overnight kills the battery.
Fact: Modern phones are smarter than you think. Lithium-ion batteries, like those found in most smartphones, have built-in circuits to prevent overcharging. Use manufacturer-approved chargers to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Myth: Using a magnet near your computer could result in your PC’s instant death.
Why you can’t access some sites while you’re on a VPN and what to do
Let’s say you’re browsing the web with a VPN. You’re protecting privacy, so you’re confident hackers and advertisers can’t track you. Then you try to go to a site, and it just won’t load.
This can throw a wrench into productivity when working. Or it can ruin your mood when trying to have fun online.
- For Chrome on a PC, drag the icon from your Start menu to the desktop to create a shortcut. Then right-click and select Show more options > Properties. There, you’ll see the URL string under “Target.” Add -incognito to the end.
- On Safari for Mac, click Settings > General > Safari opens with a private window.
- For Android phones, tap and hold the browser’s icon, then select Open in Private tab.
- On iPhone, press and hold your browser’s icon and choose New Private Tab (for Safari) or Incognito Search (for Chrome).
Google will destroy billions of Incognito mode data
They said the data was impossible to find … until a judge ruled on a class-action settlement. Plus, we talk with Guy Kawasaki, Apple’s first Mac marketer, about his book “Think Remarkable” and becoming remarkable yourself!
Dead man walking: On the dark web, Incognito Market sold illegal drugs, firearms and more. Its owner said everything was anonymous. Nope. He closed it down and is threatening to hand over all buyers’ and sellers’ names to law enforcement — unless they pay him a ransom. His biggest customers? Drug cartels.
$100 million
In narcotics trafficked on the dark web by a 23-year-old. Authorities finally bagged the Taiwanese kingpin, Rui-Siang Lin. Over four years, he sold up to $5 million in illegal drugs every month on his site, Incognito Market. For reference, the guy who created the Silk Road was 29 when the feds caught him. He’s serving two lifetimes in prison.
10 tips to keep Google's Chrome browser secure
Google Chrome is the world’s most popular browser, with billions of users. Even though Google is known to play fast and loose with privacy, this is true.
Google most likely knows more about you than you could imagine. It knows every website you visit, the comments you make, your online purchases, and much more. Tap or click here for eight ways Google constantly invades your privacy.
6 common tech myths and misbeliefs debunked
We once believed that Macs would never get a virus, closing apps would save battery life, and private mode was really private.
For the record, switching to incognito in your browser probably doesn’t do what you think. Tap or click for six practical reasons to use it, from keeping your search autofill clean to shopping without spoiling the surprise.
Incognito mode doesn't do what you might think
Incognito mode in your browser serves a purpose. I show you what it doesn’t do in this short podcast.
Incognito mode isn't private
Use it for all your embarrassing searches? Here’s why it’s not as stealthy as you think.
Tech how-to: Lock down Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari for maximum security
There are many web browsers out there, but these are the four most popular: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple’s Safari. They have their differences, but they also have many similarities.
Sadly, one of their similarities is they can all be hacked in various ways. This can lead to your private information getting out and cause personal or financial harm to you. Tap or click here for signs that your device has been hacked.
How to browse anonymously on your phone or tablet
You might be familiar with private or incognito tabs you can open on your desktop’s web browser. The mobile versions of Safari, Chrome and Firefox offer private modes, too, but they’re stashed away in another menu that’s separate from the tabs you already have open.