Objective
- To provide instruction on opening a private browser window or incognito browser window
- When you want to avoid saving cache, cookies, and history when browsing
- When you want to log in to multiple email accounts at the same time
- When you want to reduce the risk of signing in to a personal account on a shared computer
- To provide links to the up-to-date support sites for Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari browsers
Environment
- Browser
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- University-owned Computer
- Personally Owned Computer
Rationale
- Browse privately without saving temporary Internet files, like search and browsing history, cookies and site data, or form information
Resolution
Chrome: Incognito Mode
- Click the More menu (three vertical dots in the upper-right corner)
- Select New Incognito Window
Source: Review the Google Chrome support article, Browse in private
Firefox: Private Browsing
- Click Settings
- Select New Private Window
- Turn on Mozilla's tracking protection setting to help prevent sites from gathering data about your browsing habits
Source: Review the Mozilla support article, Private Browsing: Use Firefox without saving history
Internet Explorer: InPrivate (Windows 10)
- Right-click the Internet Explorer icon in the taskbar
- Select Start InPrivate Browsing
- Microsoft browsers disable any third-party toolbars when you start a private browsing session
Source: Review the Microsoft support article, Change security and privacy settings for Internet Explorer 11
Microsoft Edge: InPrivate (Windows 10)
- Click the More link (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
- Select New InPrivate Window
- Microsoft browsers disable any third-party toolbars when you start a private browsing session
Source: Review the Microsoft support article, Browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge
Safari: Private (macOS High Sierra)
- Choose File
- Select New Private Window
Source: Review Apple's Safari Help page, Browse Privately
Notes
- Use Miami's Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN) for improved privacy protection
- Any files downloaded or bookmarks created during a private browsing session will stay on your computer after you close your window — you must delete them manually
- Assume that your browsing activities are never completely private: Private browsing will not prevent routers, firewalls, or proxy servers from tracking your activities
- Visit these up-to-date vendor support sites for everything you want to know about these popular browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari