This release is an emergency release to fix a serious security vulnerability in the Linux kernel, as well as security vulnerabilities in the Tor client.

Changes and updates

• Update the Tor client to 0.4.9.9, which fixes several security vulnerabilities.

• Update the Linux kernel to 6.12.90-2, which fixes CVE-2026-43503, a vulnerability that could allow an application in Tails to gain administration privileges.

For example, if an attacker was able to exploit other unknown security vulnerabilities in an application included in Tails, they might then use this vulnerability to take full control of your Tails and deanonymize you.

This attack is very unlikely, but could be performed by a strong attacker, such as a government or a hacking firm. We are not aware of this vulnerability being used in practice until now.

Get Tails 7.8.1

To upgrade your Tails USB stick and keep your Persistent Storage

• Automatic upgrades are available from Tails 7.0 or later to 7.8.1.

• If you cannot do an automatic upgrade or if Tails fails to start after an automatic upgrade, please try to do a manual upgrade.

To install Tails 7.8.1 on a new USB stick

Follow our installation instructions.

The Persistent Storage on the USB stick will be lost if you install instead of upgrading.

To download only

If you don't need installation or upgrade instructions, you can download Tails 7.8.1 directly:

• For USB sticks (USB image)

• For DVDs and virtual machines (ISO image)

Support and feedback

For support and feedback, visit the Support section on the Tails website.