Tails 6.0: Enhanced security and usability based on Debian 12 “Bookworm” and GNOME 43

Tails, the portable operating system renowned for its robust defense against surveillance and censorship, has announced the release of its 6.0 version. This version marks the first Tails iteration based on Debian 12 “Bookworm” and GNOME 43, following approximately three weeks after the debut of the first release candidate.

Tails 6.0 introduces updated versions of the majority of the software incorporated in Tails, in addition to several significant security and usability enhancements. The software updates in Tails 6.0 include Tor Browser 13.0.10, KeePassXC 2.7.4, Electrum 4.3.4, Inkscape 1.2.2, Audacity 3.2.4, GIMP 2.10.34, Kleopatra 4:22.12, Metadata Cleaner 2.4.0 and more.

The new version is designed to alert users about errors encountered while reading or writing from Tails USB sticks, aiding in the diagnosis of hardware failures and facilitating timely backups of Persistent Storage.

An added convenience in Tails 6.0 is its ability to automatically mount external storage devices, such as USB sticks or external hard disks, upon connection. It also offers to unlock encrypted partitions on these devices automatically.

Tails 6.0 has been engineered to ignore any USB device plugged in whilst the screen is locked, providing a security measure against potential attacks from malicious USB devices. As such, new USB devices can only be used if they are connected while the screen is unlocked.

The 6.0 version also introduces dark and night light modes, a new shortcut for taking screenshots/screencasts in the system menu, and an improved Gmail account configuration in Thunderbird, among other features.

Additionally, Tails 6.0 also had some features removed, alongside various minor changes and numerous bug fixes.