Enabling Incognito (Private) Mode

Utilizing a browser in its incognito mode (also known as private mode) prevents cookies and visited pages from being stored on the computer. This means that individuals who share your device will be unable to view your online activity, and websites will perceive you as a fresh user without any knowledge of your identity, as long as you refrain from signing in.

In brief, no. Incognito mode is a browsing function that enables you to explore the internet without maintaining a log of your search history, cookies, or other short-term information on your device. This ensures that your online session remains hidden from other individuals who might use the same device.

In situations where you’re on a controlled device or a network proxy, or if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) persists in observing and responding to DNS requests or the websites you’re attempting to access, your activities can still be visible and acted upon.

Using Incognito mode does not enhance your level of security; it offers no safeguard against various cyber threats. In fact, due to the extension policy in place, it might even lower your overall browser security.

By default, all installed extensions are disabled in Incognito mode. If you wish to enable an extension to function while in Incognito mode, you need to manually grant it access. It’s not feasible to configure an extension to operate automatically in Incognito mode. This holds true even for devices managed by MDM (Mobile Device Management), Active Directory, AzureAD, or Intune; the setting must be explicitly adjusted by the end-user.

To illustrate, consider the example of Adwares. Malicious attacks often initiated through deceptive advertisements. The FBI has even issued warnings regarding counterfeit ads that mimic legitimate content, leading potential victims to malicious destinations [https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA221221]. Since adblockers function as browser extensions, if you’re unaware of the limitation that extensions can’t function automatically in Incognito mode, your protection against adware will be ineffective while in Incognito mode.

With a focus on security, here are our suggested measures:

You can enable or disable the incognito mode in DefensX backend event after the installation on Windows computers. You have the following options:

If option 2 is selected, users will have Incognito mode and DefensX extension will be enforced. This option provides the best protection while providing the same level of security. The only concern about this method, users need to give their consent to the browser only once. It is not possible to give that consent on behalf of the user automatically, users will need to give their consent. To make this process easier, once this setting is pushed to the computer, DefensX extension will automatically open a wizard and show the required action for giving the consent.

If you select option 3 (which is not recommended), Incognito mode will be enabled without DefensX extension and any protection.

You can make this configuration:

Changing the incognito mode from Disabled to Enabled or Enabled to Disabled will take effect for about 20 minutes. If you want to make a quick test without waiting, you can close and open the browser again after waiting only one minute.

You can change the browser incognito mode setting on Mac devices if it is managed by an MDM remotely.

To do this, you just need to;

After enabling the Incognito mode through MDM, managing the DefensX extension enforcement in incognito mode is the same as the Windows agents.

Yes, it is possible to enable Incognito mode manually on Mac devices without relying on Mobile Device Management (MDM) software. To do this, follow these steps:

By following these steps, Incognito mode will be activated on your Mac without needing MDM intervention. If you have any issues, ensure the browser is completely closed before reopening it for the configuration to apply successfully.