Opera Unite allows you to share files-but is this secure?

Bkjia.com quick translation: Opera released the Opera Unite Alpha version a few days ago. It is an easy-to-use small program embedded in the Opera Browser With the content sharing function. It sounds amazing, it even has epoch revolutionary significance, but after careful understanding, we find that it has a headache and security risks.

Currently, Unite has Linux, mac OS x, and Windows versions, which are in Alpha stage. This means there are still many uncertainties. I have seen many projects forced to be interrupted or frozen. I downloaded and tried it on Windows xp and Debian-based Mepis 8.0.

First, let's take a look at what Unite is. Now the network is booming, in fact, it is a software that can share files with your friends on your computer or even anyone in the world, including sharing pictures and mp3 files, it can also be used for real-time chat and discussion, and it is cool to say that this discussion has a URL address that is supported by both a person and a browser. That is to say, if anyone obtains this address, you can have a chat with us. Of course, Unite supports setting a password for this discussion.

Let's take a look at how it works. Unite is both a Web browser and a Web server, and it also includes a JavaScript program, you can easily configure the content you want to share and the services you want to provide, such as online discussion forums. However, note that the users participating in the discussion are not connected to your computer, instead, it connects to the Web Proxy Server of Opera, where the proxy server pushes your shared files to other users. For example, you can share all your music or share a music subfolder.

To achieve this, your computer and its Internet connection need to open port 8840, in order to allow others to access your computer, you need to tell them your Unite URL, the Unite URL consists of your computer name, your Opera user name, And the Opera Unite service name you are using, and your password. Let's take a look at the following URL example.
Http://yourPC.Operausername.operaunite.com/servicename/access_content/password

How cool is it? Unite allows you to easily share everything with your friends and family. Before you want to share something, you must first upload it with a third-party service, and then download it with friends and family. Do you want to share the new baby with your loved ones? Now, you just need to share the baby photo to the Unite, and then send the URL to the family.

 

Is there anything to fix? Safe! The password is also part of the URL, and the Unite does not use the encryption protocol, so anyone can intercept the Unite connection and steal the password.
This is not a new problem. The time has returned to the middle of the 1990s S. At that time, the Internet was just getting popular. Many Internet software kits included the basic tools for building websites, however, this does not last long, because common users are concerned about website security. If lucky, the Unite version will provide better options in the future.
Final Conclusion: Unite is not a revolutionary new concept. if it develops well, it is indeed quite useful. It is still an Alpha version. I believe Opera will thoroughly enhance the security of Unite, otherwise, it is likely to fail in security. At the same time, if you want to share files but do not want to use third-party services, you can go to a Web hosting company to build your own website. It is not difficult, just like setting up Unite, but the security is higher.

Source: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do? Command = viewArticleBasic & articles id = 9134511
Original article name: First look: Opera Unite alpha lets you share files -- but is it safe?
Author: Steven J. Vaughan-nickls