Opera is Building a VPN into their Browser

Would you trust a web browsers built in VPN with your users and companies data?

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

April 21, 2016

2 Min Read
Opera is Building a VPN into their Browser

Yesterday, Opera announced that they have begun development of a version of their web browser for Windows, Macs and Linux machines that will have an integrated Virtual Private Network (VPN) built in as part of the browser without the need for any additional add-ins or paid subscriptions.

According to Opera this is all about privacy and meeting their customers expectations:

"Bringing this important privacy improvement marks another step in building a browser that matches up to people’s expectations in 2016. When you think about it, many popular options offered by desktop browsers today were invented (quite frequently by Opera) many years ago. The innovation energy in the industry has been recently so focused on mobile, even if the desktop is still thriving."

They claim it will be easy to use since it is built in and will include basic VPN features such as:

  • Hide your IP address – Opera will replace your IP address with a virtual IP address, so it’s harder for sites to track your location and identify your computer. This means you can browse the web more privately.

  • Unblocking of firewalls and websites – Many countries, schools and workplaces block video-streaming sites, social networks and other services. By using a VPN you can access your favorite content, no matter where you are.

  • Public Wi-Fi security – When you’re surfing the web on public Wi-Fi, intruders can easily sniff data. By using a VPN, you can improve the security of your personal information.

If you are interested in trying this out then Opera 38 in the developer channel has the VPN built in for testing. The announcement post has all the download links for you to test this option out.

All of this sounds very secure and viable but as administrators and IT Pros would you consider this as an alternative to a separate real time VPN for your users and your companies data?

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

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About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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