Opera 50 to introduce anti-cryptojacking features with Opera 50

Opera's anti-cryptojacking feature will be added to its ad-blocking technology

The next version of the Chromium-based web browser Opera - Opera 50 - will feature an anti-cryptojacking security feature to prevent websites from exploiting visitors' PCs as crypto-currency mining tools.

Opera will become the world's first browser to implement such a feature, intended stop rogue websites from using the Javascript-based Coinhive malware to mine for Monero crypto-currency at the cost of the user.

Called NoCoin, the feature is still in development, but is expected to be rolled out in the next stable version of the web browser, probably some time in January 2018.

NoCoin will work alongside ad-blocking technology already built-in to its web browser. The feature is turned off by default, but once you turn it on, you'll get protection against cryptocurrency mining.

"We are delivering the release candidate, which includes an innovative anti-Bitcoin mining feature, extended VR360 support for Oculus and Chromecast," the company explained in a blog post.

Interest in cryptocurrencies has grown immensely over the past few months, particularly as a result of the sudden boom in values over the past month or two.

However, at the same time, dodgy crypto-mining practices have quickly become widespread. In-browser mining sites such as Coinhive have become popular, in particular.

"Bitcoins are really hot right now, but did you know that they might actually be making your computer hotter? Your CPU suddenly working at 100 per cent capacity.

"The fan is going crazy for seemingly no reason and your battery quickly depleting might all be signs that someone is using your computer to mine for cryptocurrency," said Opera.

"This cryptocurrency mining can sometimes continue after you have first visited the site. But we, as the only major browser with an integrated ad blocker, have a built-in solution to keep miners from trespassing onto your machine.

Thousands of sites now use Javascript tools like Coinhive, which is widely regarded as malware. Web browsers are rarely asked their permission for it to be installed and used, and it can therefore run in the background without them knowing.

"After we recently updated the rules for our built-in ad blocker mechanism, we eliminated cryptocurrency mining scripts that over-use your device's computing ability," added Opera.

"Simply enable Opera's ad blocker to prevent cryptocurrency mining sites from doing their dirty work on your computer.

"You can find and change NoCoin in Settings (Preferences on MacOS) > Basic > Block ads and under the Recommended lists of ad filters."