Tails 4.20 Distribution Released
The specialized Tails 4.20 distribution (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) has been released. Based on the Debian package base, Tails is designed to provide anonymous internet access. Anonymity in Tails is ensured through the Tor system. By default, all connections except those routed through the Tor network are blocked by a packet filter. User data persistence between sessions is protected with encryption. The distribution is available as a 1.1 GB ISO image that can run in Live mode.
What’s New in Tails 4.20
The new version introduces a completely redesigned process for connecting to the Tor network. After establishing a connection to the local network, a Tor Connection Wizard now launches, allowing users to choose between automatic connection and an enhanced privacy mode. The enhanced privacy mode helps hide the use of Tor from local network traffic analyzers. The wizard also enables connections from censored networks via bridge relays to bypass blocks, without changing the default configuration.
Future updates will add the ability to save bridge relay lists in persistent storage, diagnose wireless network functionality, detect captive portal connections, and obtain information about new bridge relays.
Other Updates in Tails 4.20
- OnionShareOnionShare is an open-source tool that lets people share files, host websites, and even chat securely through the Tor network. Instead of relying on cloud services, it creates a temporary onion address directly from your computer, ensuring anonymity and direct peer-to-peer transfers. Once the app closes, the link expires, making it ideal for one-time, private exchanges. While slower than traditional services, OnionShare is a vital tool for journalists, activists, and anyone who values privacy over convenience. More updated to version 2.2, now allowing use as a web server for serving static pages.
- KeePassXC password manager updated to version 2.6.2.
- Tor Browser updated to version 10.5.2.
- Thunderbird email client updated to version 78.11.0.
- Tor updated to version 0.4.5.9.
- Linux kernel updated to version 5.10.46.