# [Tails 7.8.1](
https://tails.net/news/version_7.8.1/)
This release is an emergency release to fix a serious security vulnerability
in the Linux kernel, as well as security vulnerabilities in the _Tor_ client.
# Changes and updates
* Update the _Tor_ client to 0.4.9.9, which fixes [several security vulnerabilities](
https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/core/tor/-/raw/release-0.4.9/ReleaseNotes).
* Update the _Linux_ kernel to 6.12.90-2, which fixes [CVE-2026-43503](
https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2026-43503), a vulnerability that could allow an application in Tails to gain administration privileges.
For example, if an attacker was able to exploit other unknown security
vulnerabilities in an application included in Tails, they might then use this
vulnerability to take full control of your Tails and deanonymize you.
This attack is very unlikely, but could be performed by a strong attacker,
such as a government or a hacking firm. We are not aware of this vulnerability
being used in practice until now.
# Get Tails 7.8.1
## To upgrade your Tails USB stick and keep your Persistent Storage
* Automatic upgrades are available from Tails 7.0 or later to 7.8.1.
* If you cannot do an automatic upgrade or if Tails fails to start after an automatic upgrade, please try to do a [manual upgrade](
https://tails.net/doc/upgrade/index.en.html#manual).
## To install Tails 7.8.1 on a new USB stick
Follow our [installation
instructions](
https://tails.net/install/index.en.html).
The Persistent Storage on the USB stick will be lost if you install instead of
upgrading.
## To download only
If you don't need installation or upgrade instructions, you can download Tails
7.8.1 directly:
* [For USB sticks (USB image)](
https://tails.net/install/download/index.en.html)
* [For DVDs and virtual machines (ISO image)](
https://tails.net/install/download-iso/index.en.html)
URL: <
https://tails.net/news/version_7.8.1/>
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