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

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.

2 of 159 comments (clear)

  1. all knowing edge delayed access to this old story by sittingnut · · Score: 1, Troll

    seems editors here used all knowing edge, which explains delay in accessing to this old story.

  2. Private mode and forensics by Tony+Isaac · · Score: 0, Troll

    Locard's exchange principle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locard%27s_exchange_principle) says that the perpetrator of a crime will always bring something into the crime scene, and leave something behind. This is one of the foundational principles of forensics.

    Although private browsing doesn't equate to criminal activity, the principle applies. Electronically, you will always bring something with you, and leave something behind. There is not, and never will be, a truly "private" browsing experience, regardless of browser. There will always be trace evidence that can lead to discovery of what you were browsing, and what you did while there.

    More broadly, this principle is true in all of life.