Safe Search: 3 ways Incognito mode can save you

We willingly give our most personal data so often to advertisers, Big Tech, scammers and everyone looking to make a dime off us. Want to take control back? Start with changing a few settings that make it easier for strangers and companies to pinpoint who you are in your Chrome browser.

While at it, take a minute and look at your Facebook account settings. Tap or click for three steps to limit or stop targeted ads.

Your browser offers Incognito or private mode. It’s not a privacy catch-all, but it can make a real difference. 

Is Incognito mode private? Sort of …

While Incognito mode in any browser provides more privacy than if you’re not using it, it isn’t as private as we were led to believe.

When you surf the web incognito, your browser doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, site data or information you enter in forms. However, it keeps any downloaded files or bookmarks created during the session.

Your internet service provider (ISP) can still see your activity, as can a school or employer providing your internet access or computer. Want to stop that? You need a VPN.

That leads us to the question, “Is Incognito mode even worth using?” Yes. Let’s look at three situations when it’s necessary.

1. Trying to keep gifts a surprise

When you shop online, your browser keeps tabs on what you’ve perused. Later, you’ll see ads on other sites that try to get you to come back to make the purchase — even if you’ve already bought the item.

You might not be the only person seeing those ads. If the person you’re buying the gift for uses your computer, tablet, or smartphone, they will see the same ads. They may also see them on their devices since you share an IP address.

Of course, these ads tip them to what you’re up to. That won’t happen if you shop in Incognito mode.

Continue reading

Microsoft caught importing data before you give the OK

For years, Google Chrome has been the most popular web browser in the U.S. and across the globe. In fact, Chrome accounts for more than 60% of the internet browser market share worldwide, with Apple Safari coming in at a distant second place with roughly 18%.

Continue reading

9 tips and tricks to maintain your privacy and stay productive on your Mac

When it comes to staying safe and productive online, you need to take charge. Privacy and productivity come down to a few decisive behaviors that you need to make sure you’re following as a general rule.

Most Apple fans in the early days didn’t think they needed to worry about things like viruses, that it only happened to PCs. But, your Mac isn’t as secure as you think it is. Tap or click to find out how hackers are targeting Apple machines nowadays.

Continue reading