🔐 Known Opera Browser security concerns and user issues

1. Has the Opera Browser been affected by known security vulnerabilities?

Answer:

Yes, Opera Browser has faced various security vulnerabilities over the years, similar to other major browsers. Some of these have included critical vulnerabilities in the Chromium engine, which Opera is based on. For instance, CVE-2022-1096 was a high-severity vulnerability in Chromium that affected multiple browsers, including Opera. Opera typically releases security patches quickly following updates from the Chromium project. Users should ensure they are running the latest version to benefit from these... Opera Security Advisories

2. Is there any concern about Opera’s ownership and data privacy?

Answer:

Yes, some users have raised concerns regarding Opera’s ownership and potential privacy implications. Opera Software was acquired in 2016 by a consortium of Chinese investors, which has led to speculation about the handling of user data. Although Opera maintains that it adheres to strict privacy policies and operates independently, privacy advocates remain cautious. Concerns are especially pronounced regarding Opera’s built-in VPN, which routes traffic through Opera-owned servers but does not operate un... Opera Privacy Policy
Discussion on Ownership – TechCrunch

3. Is Opera's built-in VPN secure?

Answer:

Opera’s built-in VPN is actually a proxy service and not a true VPN in the traditional sense. While it provides basic IP masking and encrypted traffic through Opera’s servers, it lacks advanced features such as system-wide protection, DNS leak prevention, and user anonymity across all applications. Furthermore, the VPN does not allow for user control over encryption protocols. Although useful for bypassing region restrictions or casual browsing privacy, it is not recommended for users who require full o... Opera VPN Analysis – RestorePrivacy

4. Have there been incidents of data breaches involving Opera?

Answer:

Yes, Opera has experienced at least one notable data breach. In 2016, Opera disclosed that its cloud sync service was compromised, and user credentials for approximately 1.7 million users were potentially exposed. This led the company to reset user passwords and encourage enabling two-factor authentication. Since then, no other major breaches have been publicly reported, but the incident served as a reminder of the importance of managing browser sync data securely. Opera Sync Breach Report – Ars Technica

5. Do Opera extensions pose any security risks?

Answer:

Yes, as with all browsers, extensions can be a potential source of security vulnerabilities. Opera uses its own extension store but also allows users to install Chrome extensions via a special add-on. While this increases flexibility, it also introduces potential risks if users install malicious or unvetted extensions. Opera’s review process is generally considered less rigorous than that of some competitors, which means users must be vigilant about permissions and extension behavior. Opera Add-ons Store