Opera Software today released the second Beta version of its next browser, which includes an answer to the recent security debate over Web site spoofing. In this Beta, the browser displays security information inside the address bar, located next to the padlock icon that indicates the level of security present on a site.

The small, yellow security bar appears on secure sites and displays the name of the organization that owns the certificate. By clicking on the bar the user has access to more information about the validity of the certificate. These anti-spoof measures help users make educated decisions about a site's validity and security.

"One of the most important measures to counter phishing attacks is the use of security certificates," says Christen Krogh, Opera's Vice President of Engineering. "The challenge for browser vendors is to better explain the verification of certificates and to make the user more aware of this additional verification before entering into secure transactions."

To address Internationalized Domain Names (IDN) concerns, Opera's second Beta only displays localized domain names from certain top level domains (TLD). Opera selects TLDs that have established strict policies on the domain names they allow to be registered. This ensures that users who depend on IDN, for example when accessing sites under .jp or .kr, will have a favorable user experience.

Opera will regularly update its list of trusted TLDs, ensuring maximum protection and the best possible user experience.

Opera stands behind its statement made to Beta News on Feb. 18, 2005, asserting that the IDN problem is not one that can be solved alone, but rather together with other browser vendors, domain name registries, certificate authorities and other members of the Internet community. Opera has taken the initiative to assemble a group to evaluate joint solutions.

What else to look for in Opera's Beta 2:

• Easier customization and skinning
• Online Certificate Status Protocol(OCSP)verifies that the certificate has not been revoked by the certificate authorities
• Atom newsfeeds

Beta 2 is available for download at http://www.opera.com/download/ For a complete list of features, view the changelog at http://www.opera.com/windows/changelogs/800b2/ Users must be aware that a beta should be used for preview purposes only, as it is not a final product and does not contain all the features that are expected with the final release.