Web browser developer Opera Software yesterday introduced real-time fraud and phishing protection to the latest version of its web browser.

The Fraud Protection feature includes technology from digital certificate provider GeoTrust, and PhishTank, a collaborative clearing house for data and information about phishing on the internet.

Fraud Protection is available in Opera 9.1, the newest version of the browser.

"The key to an effective phishing defence is speed and responsiveness," said security expert Bruce Schneier, chief technology officer at BT Counterpane.

"Opera's Fraud Protection delivers both by providing the user with real-time anti-phishing detection, augmented with nearly immediate identification of suspected phishing sites."

According to PhishTank, more than 9,628 unique phishing attacks were recorded during November alone.

PhishTank, operated by OpenDNS and community members, enables anyone to submit, verify, track and openly share phishing data.

The open access of PhishTank, and the use of PhishTank data in Opera, is intended to encourage the sharing of information and increase the chance of eliminating phishing all together.