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TuxCare BlogNavigating Ubuntu 18.04 End of Life: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Security
by Rohan Timalsina
November 14, 2024 - TuxCare expert team
- Ubuntu 18.04 end of life (EOL) means no more official security patches, leaving systems vulnerable to attacks.
- Upgrading to a newer Ubuntu version or using extended support can protect against security risks.
- TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support offers a cost-effective alternative to Ubuntu Pro for post-EOL security.
Ubuntu 18.04, codenamed “Bionic Beaver”, has been a popular choice for Linux users since its release in April 2018. As a Long Term Support (LTS) release, it received five years of standard support, offering a stable and reliable platform for users and organizations of all levels. However, as of 31 May, 2023, Ubuntu 18.04 has officially reached its end of life. This means it no longer receives security maintenance and official support from Canonical, Ubuntu’s parent company.
In this article, we’ll explore what the Ubuntu 18.04 end of life means for users, the security risks associated with running an unsupported version, and strategies to mitigate these risks.
Ubuntu 18.04 End of Life (EOL) Explained
In the software lifecycle, EOL means that the operating system is no longer supported by the vendor. When a version of Ubuntu reaches end of life, Canonical will stop providing any official updates for that release, including security patches, bug fixes, or new features.
The consequences of continuing to use Ubuntu 18.04 after EOL can be severe. Without security updates, systems are at increased risk of being compromised by malicious actors. Additionally, outdated systems may become incompatible with newer hardware or software, leading to system instability and operational challenges.
The Risks of Using an Unsupported System
Running an unsupported system like Ubuntu 18.04 after its EOL is like leaving your doors wide open in a high-crime neighborhood. Some of the significant risks include:
Increased Vulnerability to Cyberattacks
As new vulnerabilities emerge, outdated systems become more exposed to cyberattacks. Without the regular security updates provided before the Ubuntu 18.04 end of life, any new threats are left unpatched, making your system an easy target for attackers. Attackers often target these systems because they know vulnerabilities are unlikely to be fixed.
Compliance Issues
Compliance frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS require that all systems be up to date and secure. Running an unsupported system like Ubuntu 18.04 can result in regulatory non-compliance, leading to legal penalties, hefty fines, and reputational damage.
Compatibility Problems
As time goes on, compatibility issues between unsupported systems and newer hardware or software are likely to arise. For example, newer applications might require libraries or packages that are no longer available for Ubuntu 18.04. Additionally, unsupported systems are more prone to bugs and errors, which can lead to system instability, performance degradation, and unexpected downtime.
Mitigating Risks: How to Secure Your Ubuntu 18.04 Systems
For organizations running Ubuntu 18.04 systems, the EOL phase requires immediate attention to ensure continued protection and compliance of their infrastructure. Here are the key paths you can take to mitigate the risks associated with the Ubuntu 18.04 end of life:
Upgrading to a Supported Ubuntu LTS Version
One of the best solutions to protect your Ubuntu 18.04 environments is to upgrade to a newer, actively supported Ubuntu version. This will ensure that you receive regular security updates and bug fixes, as well as access to the latest features and improvements.
The direct upgrade path for Ubuntu 18.04 is Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, which ensures you receive continued support until April 2025. However, since Ubuntu 20.04 end of life is approaching, upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or the latest release Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is the best long-term solution.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is supported until April 2027, while Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will receive support until April 2029.
For guidance on upgrading, please refer to the official Ubuntu documentation.
Extended Security Support
While upgrading to a newer Ubuntu version is generally recommended to ensure security and access to the latest features, the migration process can sometimes be complex and may require careful planning.
If upgrading is not feasible, you can explore extended support options. Canonical provides Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM) through Ubuntu Pro, offering up to 5 years of additional security updates for Ubuntu 18.04, extending its support until 2028.
Alternatively, TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS) offers a more affordable and flexible solution for maintaining security post-Ubuntu 18.04 end of life. TuxCare’s ELS delivers vendor-grade security patches for as long as you need, covering over 140 critical packages, including the Linux kernel, OpenSSL, OpenSSH, glibc, Python, MySQL, OpenJDK, and more. This ensures your systems remain secure and compliant, allowing you to plan your upgrades on your own timeline, without the pressure to rush.
Final Thoughts
Ubuntu 18.04 End of Life presents a critical turning point for users and organizations relying on this version. Failing to take immediate action can expose systems to cyberattacks, non-compliance, and system instability.
To navigate the Ubuntu 18.04 EOL effectively, you can upgrade to a supported version of Ubuntu or take advantage of extended support through TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support. TuxCare offers the flexibility and security you need, without the high cost, allowing you to migrate to newer versions at your own pace while staying protected.
Have questions about Ubuntu 18.04 EOL or Linux systems security? Our experienced Linux security experts are here to help. Ask your questions, and we’ll provide tailored guidance and support.
