Opera Unite

The launch of Opera 10, including a service called "Unite" has sparked a lot of attention in the tech security environment. As described in the Opera press release,

"Opera Unite turns any computer into both a client and a server, allowing it to interact with and serve content to other computers directly across the Web, without the need for third-party servers."

In addition to running as a Web Server, Opera Unite includes file sharing, the bane of security experts who provide log analysis and malware removal advice on security forums. I won't rehash all the details here but rather let you read the reports linked below for yourself. Please do note the following quote from the report by ZDNet UK:

A spokeswoman for Opera confirmed to ZDNet UK on Tuesday that there is no encryption involved in the Opera Unite.

Asked whether the platform could be used by someone to access data on the host's PC that the host had not chosen to share, the spokeswoman said: "Definitely not — unless they're a hacker."

Hmmm, hackers on the internet, oh my! What are they thinking?

References:

• BetaNews: How secure is Opera Unite?
  
• Computerworld: Opera launches Unite, sticks Web server in browser
• Opera Press: Opera Unite reinvents the Web
  
• Opera Unite: A Web Service on the Web Browser
  
• PC Magazine: Opera's Unite Is One Incredibly Bad Idea
• SunbeltBLOG: Botnet owners Unite
• The Tech Herald: Opera Unite: A Great idea or horrible security risk? - Security
• ZDNet UK: Opera Unite turns browser into door to PC

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