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Microsoft Edge's Private Browsing Mode Isn't Actually Private (betanews.com)

Posted by timothy on from the keep-it-to-ourselves-alright? dept.

JustAnotherOldGuy writes: The forensic examination of most web browsers has proven that they don't have a provision for storing the details of privately browsed web sessions. However, in the case of Microsoft Edge, the private browsing isn't as private as it seems. Previous investigations of the browser have resulted in revealing that websites visited in private mode are also stored in the browser's WebCache file. The Container_n table stores web history, and a field named 'Flag' with a value of '8' shows that website was visited in private mode. An investigator can easily spot the difference and use this evidence against a person. The not-so-private browsing featured by Edge makes its very purpose seem to fail, and you can't help but ask how such a fundamental aspect of private browsing could be so fantastically borked. It beggars belief.

6 of 159 comments (clear)

  1. Well, they didn't lie... by The+Atog+Lord · · Score: 5, Funny

    So, InPrivate is to Private as InVisible is to Visible.

  2. Re:First Post? by I'm+not+evil.+See · · Score: 5, Funny

    The rest of us have been here also, all along, but just in "Private Mode". There are actually 1203 "first posts" before yours. Look harder. :-)

  3. It's an APP, what did you expect? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Modern app appers know that only apps can app apps, and privacy is something only LUDDITES use, so apps like Edge app everything you app so every apper can app your apps while apping other apps!

    Apps!

  4. Re: First Post? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Exactly, it wouldn't have surprised me if they sent private browsing data direclty to their Redmond office.

  5. Re:Private mode and forensics by jason777 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Thats why I do my really serious browsing in a new VM that is read-only. After, I delete the vm. Then light the computer on fire.

  6. You've blown it Microsoft by DrXym · · Score: 5, Funny

    How am I meant to browse for gifts and flowers for my wife (WHICH IS ALL ANYONE EVER DOES WITH PRIVATE BROWSING) if its not actually private? Oh and in case the wife does find traces of activity, yes cumgarglingsluts.com is a site that sells flowers and gifts. Way to ruin the surprise Edge.