Modern Internet browsers often provide a private browsing capability. This is known as privacy mode or incognito mode and is a privacy feature to disable browsing history and the caching of web pages – ITPro provide a detailed explanation. This allows a person to browse the Internet without storing any data that could be retrieved later.
Where others may have access to your devices, consider familiarising yourself with these features and understand the protection they offer. Always consider a ‘quick escape’ from web sites being visited and remember that some web pages deliver a dialog asking, ‘Are you sure you want to exit?’ that may prevent immediate closure.
Advanced users may opt to use a Virtual Machine using ‘Live Mode’, or launch an operating system from a bootable USB or DVD. Running an operating system directly from a USB stick or a DVD doesn’t alter your computer’s configuration in any way, and a simple restart without the USB stick or DVD is all that’s needed to restore your machine to its previous state.
Remember that e-mail and web traffic will inevitably include your IP address. An IP address is a unique address for every device connecting to the Internet and can be traced if necessary. It’s not possible to access the Internet without an IP address however users can hide their IP address or make it appear to be from another country / place by using specialised software called a Virtual Private Network – or VPN.
Microsoft and Google account users can opt to have their activities (including Internet browsing history) stored on the cloud. Be careful who your devices are linked with.
Remember, when you have finished your session, it may be worth considering deleting your internet search history so you don’t expose your browsing history or any personal details.
