Tails
Tails — The Amnesic Incognito Live System — is a Debian-based live operating system designed to protect your privacy and anonymity. It boots entirely from a USB stick or DVD, connects to the internet only through the Tor network, and leaves no trace on the computer it runs on unless you deliberately store something. Since 2024 Tails is developed as part of the Tor Project.
Key Features
- Anonymity by design — all internet traffic is forced through the Tor network
- Amnesic by default — nothing is written to the host computer’s disk, so you leave no trace
- Optional persistent storage — keep documents, software and settings encrypted on the USB stick when you choose to
- Purpose-built apps — ships with Tor Browser, Thunderbird, OnionShare, KeePassXC and other privacy tools pre-installed
- Secure defaults — hardened kernel, randomised MAC addresses and safe browser settings out of the box
- Developed by the Tor Project — free, open source and independently audited
- Easy USB installation — current versions can install directly to a new stick from a running session
Why Use Tails?
Tails is the reference tool when you need strong anonymity on a computer you do not control. Because it boots from removable media and forgets everything at shutdown, it is ideal for protecting sources, investigations and personal browsing from surveillance or tampering on public or shared machines.
Use Cases
- Anonymous web browsing via Tor
- Secure communication for journalists, activists and whistleblowers
- Working safely on shared or public computers
- Protecting sensitive research and investigations
Platform
Linux · x86-64 · boots from a USB stick or DVD, or in a virtual machine
Licence
GPLv3