The anonymizing Linux distribution Tails has launched version 7.5, moving the Thunderbird email client to an external package for enhanced security. This change addresses frequent updates that left the software vulnerable in prior releases. Other components, including the Tor Browser and Tor client, have also been updated.
The Tails project, known for providing a secure environment for anonymous web surfing, announced version 7.5 of its Linux distribution. A key update involves the Thunderbird email client, now version 140.7.1, which is no longer included as standard software but as an additional package. To use it, users must enable the “Thunderbird Email Client” and “Additional Software” features in the persistent storage area. This setup ensures Thunderbird installs fresh from the storage on each startup, keeping it current and free from known security vulnerabilities.
Developers explained that Mozilla often releases Thunderbird updates just days after Tails versions, resulting in outdated installations prone to exploits. Upon first installation, Tails shows a “Thunderbird Migration” dialog, informing users that Thunderbird will cease to be standard software starting with Tails 7.8, slated for May 2026.
Alongside this, the Tor Browser updates to version 15.0.7, and the Tor client to 0.4.9.5, bringing central packages up to date. Tails offers images for USB sticks to boot on foreign computers, creating a trustworthy surfing setup, and ISO files for DVDs or virtual machines. Persistent storage allows data to persist across restarts.
This release follows an emergency update in mid-February to version 7.4.2, which patched the Linux kernel against over 100 vulnerabilities that could enable user deanonymization when combined with other flaws.