Security

You can manage your security certificates and configure security protocols. Opera can also warn you about potentially insecure situations.

The Wand

When you log into a site, the Wand offers to remember your user name and password. The next time you visit the site, click the Wand button or the Fast forward button on the Main bar to log in.

If you use multiple log-ins on a site, the Wand will let you choose which log-in to use.

Turn the Wand off if you prefer to log into Web sites manually.

Wand passwords can be deleted in the Server manager, or from Delete private data on the File menu.

Note: User names and passwords are encrypted on disk. Set a security password for even further protection.

Learn more about the Server manager

Security password

To prevent other people from using your certificates, you can set a security password with strong 168-bit triple DES encryption.

You will then be asked to enter your security password when you want to use your certificates.

Select a password that is impossible to guess and keep it secret
Set Opera to ask for the security password every time needed if other people have access to your computer

Tip: You can also use the security password to protect your e-mail, news, and Wand passwords.

Security protocols

Security protocols are used to communicate securely with sites where sensitive data, such as credit card information, is involved.

Disable SSL 2, SSL 3, and ciphers below 128 bits to prevent connections to less secure Web services. If you experience problems on secure sites, try re-enabling them.

Tip: Move your mouse pointer over the security icon on the Address bar for information about the level of security on the current site.

Certificates

Certificate authorities are used to identify secure Web sites. For example, the secure version of the University of Oslo Web site is authorized by the Thawte organization. Most certificate authorities you need are installed with Opera.

Personal certificates are used to identify you as the genuine user of a Web service. These certificates are normally installed the first time you sign up for the service.

Using certificates happens automatically and works just fine in most cases. If you are unsure about using a particular certificate you can:

Have dialog box displayed every time before the certificate is used
Temporarily disable the certificate, thereby preventing access to certified sites
Permanently delete the certificate

To restore a deleted certificate, visit the original provider's Web site or re-install Opera. You can also import and export certificates between Opera and other software.

Learn more about accepting certificates

Warnings

By default, Opera warns you before sending insecure forms or validating pages.

Keep these settings enabled if you are concerned about unintentionally sending sensitive data over the Internet.

Submitting forms to, for example, search engines and open discussion forums is harmless.

Learn more about security