Tails
Operator: The Tor Project, Inc.
A free Linux live operating system on a USB stick, with Tor Browser, encrypted storage and tools for confidential research.
OPSEC & Environment
Product
Tails, a portable Linux live operating system based on Debian.
Availability and source date
Active
As of: 17 October 2026.
No functionality test has been performed.
Use in OSINT research
Provides a separate working environment for web research and confidential documents. Includes Tor Browser, metadata removal and encrypted storage.
Queries
Not applicable
Features
- Starts a separate operating system from a USB stick.
- Routes internet connections from standard applications through Tor.
- Discards session data on shutdown.
- Optionally stores selected files and settings encrypted on the USB stick.
- Includes Tor Browser, Thunderbird, LibreOffice and OnionShare.
- Removes file metadata using Metadata Cleaner and mat2.
Categories
- OPSEC & Environment
Access
Installation and deployment
Locally installable
A separate live operating system on a USB stick. Optional encrypted Persistent Storage.
Requirements
Free to download without an account. Requires an x86-64 PC that can boot from a USB stick, a USB stick of at least 8 GB and a recommended 3 GB RAM.
Export
Files can be saved in the included applications and retained in encrypted Persistent Storage.
Provider
The Tor Project, Inc.
Country of establishment
Unknown
Interfaces
No API, MCP or AI integration is documented.
Maintenance
Licence
GPL-3.0-or-later for Tails code; other licences for included components
Latest activity
Release 10/2026
Stars
Unknown
Limitations
- Requires a bootable 64-bit x86 PC. Apple Silicon Macs, ARM devices and smartphones are not supported.
- Some graphics and Wi-Fi components are incompatible; the provider maintains a list of known hardware problems.
Guides and practical reports
Official · Tails: how it works and getting started
The Tor Project · EN
Explains USB operation, Tor connections, temporary sessions and encrypted storage.