None

Source string added
Try to keep your computer in a safe location. Hardware alterations are more likely on public computers, in Internet cafés or libraries, and on desktop computers, where a device is easier to hide.
09/18/2025
None

Source string added
Using untrusted computers
05/27/2024
None

Source string added
Use the [[screen keyboard|doc/first_steps/accessibility#keyboard]], if you are using a public computer or worry that the computer might have a keylogger.
02/27/2024
None

Source string added
The computer might be compromised if its physical components have been altered. For example, if a keylogger has been physically installed on the computer, your passwords, personal information, and other data typed on the keyboard could be stored and accessed by someone else, even if you are using Tails.
02/27/2024
None

Source string added
Other hardware alterations are much more complicated and expensive to install. For an example, see <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/05/photos-of-an-nsa-upgrade-factory-show-cisco-router-getting-implant/">Ars Technica: Photos of an NSA “upgrade” factory show Cisco router getting implant</a>.
09/08/2023
None

Source string added
Do not plug in your Tails USB stick while another operating system is running on the computer.
06/13/2023
None

Source string added
Firmware includes the BIOS or UEFI and other software stored in electronic chips on the computer. All operating systems, including Tails, depend on firmware to start and run, so no operating system can protect against a firmware attack. In the same way that a car depends on the quality of the road it is driving on, operating systems depend on their firmware.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
Firmware attacks have been demonstrated, but are complicated and expensive to perform. We don't know of any actual use against Tails users. For an example, see <a href=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNYsfUNegEA>LegbaCore: Stealing GPG keys/emails in Tails via remote firmware infection</a>.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
Keeping your computer in a safe location can protect against some firmware attacks, but some other firmware attacks can be performed remotely.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
No operating system can protect against BIOS and firmware attacks
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
Keyloggers are easy to buy and hide on desktop computers but not on laptops. For an example, see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JJo8qCYE8M">KeeLog: KeyGrabber forensic keylogger getting started</a>.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
Use a [[password manager|doc/encryption_and_privacy/manage_passwords]] to paste saved passwords. This way, you don't have to type passwords that might be visible to people or cameras near you.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
If you worry that a computer might be modified:
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
No operating system can protect against hardware alterations
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
We don't know of any virus able to infect a Tails installation, but one could be created in the future.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
If you worry that your Tails might be corrupted, do a [[manual upgrade|upgrade]] from a trusted operating system.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
Use your Tails USB stick only to run Tails. Do not use your Tails USB stick to transfer files to or from another operating system.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
Always install Tails from a trusted operating system. For example, download Tails on a computer without viruses or clone Tails from a trusted friend.
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
But your Tails might be corrupted if you install from a compromised operating system. To reduce that risk:
06/25/2021
None

Source string added
Tails protects you from viruses and malware on your usual operating system. This is because Tails runs independently from other operating systems.
06/25/2021

Search