Anonymizing Linux: Tails 6.7 with anonymous chat and secure boot tips
The anonymizing Linux for the USB stick Tails comes with an anonymous chat option in version 6.7. There are also tips on secure boot problems.
(Image: heise online / dmk)
Version 6.7 of the Linux distribution Tails, which enables anonymous web surfing on other people's computers, has been released. In addition to the usual updates under the hood, there is now an option for anonymous chatting on board. The maintainers also provide information on how those affected by the "Shim SBAT" error messages can still start their Linux after installing a Windows update.
(Image:Â tails.net)
In the release announcement, the Tails makers write that OnionShare has now made the jump from version 2.2 to 2.6. This makes a function available that enables the creation of an anonymous chat room.
New version of core packages
The maintainers have also updated the important core components. The Tor Browser for anonymous surfing is included in version 13.5.3. Thunderbird is included in the latest version 115.15.0.
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They have also included minor bug fixes. For example, the firewall now remains active even when shutting down. In addition, Tails no longer throws an error message when an old Tails USB stick with a system partition of 2.5 GB is started.
The Windows updates from August caused secure boot problems for many Linux distributions and USB sticks. In the release announcement, the Tails maintainers provide tips on how error messages relating to "Shim SBAT verification" can be resolved. Essentially, this means that the Linux operating system is not up to date. The first thing that follows is a not harmless tip: those affected should adjust their UEFI settings to deactivate Secure Boot. However, Windows usually reacts allergically to this and then requires the Bitlocker keys on the next restart, even if Secure Boot is reactivated. Those affected should therefore make sure to back them up beforehand, contrary to the Tails instructions.
As usual, the updated images are available for download for USB sticks as well as for burning to DVDs or for use in the VM.
Tails 6.6 was released around a month ago. The main improvement was an accelerated installation with the Tails cloner.
(dmk)
