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Debian-based Tails 6.11 fixes several serious security issues

Debian-based Tails 6.11 update launches (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)
Tails 6.11 live Linux now available (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)
The Irish Debian-based live Linux distro focused on providing solid Internet anonymity and security is back with version 6.11. This release of Tails comes with several critical security fixes, as well as the ability to detect corrupted USB sticks before enabling the Persistent Storage feature.

A recent external security audit that was conducted by Radically Open Security uncovered no less than four vulnerabilities in Tails 6.10 and earlier. Fortunately, all these are now a thing of the past thanks to the 6.11 update. This refresh also improves the detection of partitioning errors. Additionally, quite a few software packages come with updates, although not always the latest releases.

These are the security flaws previously mentioned, along with other noteworthy changes for the Tails 6.11 update:

  • A malicious upgrade could have been installed via the Tails Upgrader.
  • Two flaws allowed attackers to monitor online activity in Onion Circuits, Unsafe Browser, Tor Browser, and Tor Connection.
  • Persistent Storage settings were vulnerable to unauthorized changes.
  • When the USB stick has partition errors, Tails now warns even when Persistent Storage is not enabled. Previously, the warning was issued when errors occurred with Persisten Storage or during updates.
  • Tor Browser has been updated to 14.0.4, and Thunderbird to 128.5.0 ESR.
  • Other package updates include kmod 30, gnome-shell 43.9, mesa 22.3.6, nautilus 43.2, vim 9.0, and more.

Those who want to upgrade automatically should be running at least Tails 6.0. For older versions or when this fails, the manual upgrade is the path to follow. The full changelog for Tails 6.11 is available on this page.

Since staying safe online often requires getting up to date with the latest threats, Scams, Hacking, and Cybersecurity: The Ultimate Guide to Online Safety and Privacy is a guide worth checking out. Published last September, it comes for free with Kindle Unlimited ($2.99 to buy), but can be acquired in paperback format ($19.99) and hardcover ($34.90) as well.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 01 > Debian-based Tails 6.11 fixes several serious security issues
Codrut Nistor, 2025-01-10 (Update: 2025-01-10)