Tails, a Linux distribution focused on security and hailing from Debian, with the purpose of preserving internet privacy and anonymity, has been updated today to version 6.0. This is a significant release that includes new features and updates to its components.
Using the most recent Debian GNU/Linux 12 “Bookworm” as a building block, Tails 6.0 is now coupled with GNOME 43 as the default desktop environment. It features persistent storage error detection that aids in diagnosing hardware failures, provides protection against ill-intentioned USB devices, and supports the automatic mounting of external devices.
The freshly introduced automatic mounting feature recognizes encrypted devices. You will be asked for a password to unlock the encryption automatically. However, remember that the new feature, “protection against malicious USB devices”, will pay no attention to any device connected to your computer when the screen is locked.
In conjunction with the new GNOME 43 desktop update, Tails 6.0 now offers support for a dark mode. Also, there’s the introduction of a Night Light mode that alters the screen to emit warmer colors and reduce brightness. Furthermore, GNOME 43 offers a built-in screenshot and screencast feature.
Also included in this release is easier configuration of Gmail accounts in the Mozilla Thunderbird email client as you can now sign in directly and you don’t have to configure anything special. In addition, Persistent Storage passphrases are now generated in Catalan, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish languages.
Default software included in Tails 6.0 are the Tor Browser 13.0.10 anonymous web browser, KeePassXC 2.7.4 password manager, Electrum 4.3.4 Bitcoin wallet, Metadata Cleaner 2.4.0 privacy tool, Inkscape 1.2.2 SVG editor, Audacity 3.2.4 audio editor, GIMP 2.10.34 image editor, and Kleopatra 22.12 certificate manager.
Tails 6.0 is available for download right now from the official website as ISO or USB images. Existing users will have to perform a manual upgrade following these instructions. For more details about the changes included in this update, check out the full release notes.
Last updated 8 hours ago