Ubuntu 18.04 EOL: Next Steps & How to Secure Systems

Key Takeaways

• Ubuntu 18.04 is no longer receiving standard security updates or maintenance from Canonical.
• Running unsupported systems increases the risk of CVE exposure, compliance violations, and operational instability.
• To stay secure and compliant, either upgrade to a supported Ubuntu LTS version or implement extended support such as TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS).

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, codenamed Bionic Beaver, was launched in April 2018 and received five years of standard support from Canonical. That support window officially ended on May 31, 2023. Having reached its End of Life (EOL), Ubuntu 18.04 LTS no longer receives crucial security updates or bug fixes from Canonical.

In this article, you’ll learn what Ubuntu 18.04 EOL means, the risks of running unsupported systems, and what your next steps should be to stay secure and compliant.

Understanding Ubuntu 18.04 End of Life (EOL)

An operating system reaches its end-of-life stage when the software vendor stops providing security patches, bug fixes, and maintenance updates.

For Ubuntu Long-Term Support (LTS) releases like 18.04, this standard support typically lasts for five years. In contrast, the support cycles for interim releases, also known as non-LTS versions, are often shorter, around nine months.

With Ubuntu 18.04 now past its EOL, Canonical has ceased issuing official updates, including critical security patches and essential bug fixes. As a result, systems still running Ubuntu 18.04 are increasingly vulnerable to security risks, as any newly discovered Ubuntu vulnerabilities will no longer be patched.

A Breakdown of the Consequences of Ubuntu 18.04 EOL

Without security updates, your attack surface expands and compliance obligations become harder to meet.

For teams still relying on Ubuntu 18.04, that means elevated risk across security, compliance, and operational stability.

Unpatched Vulnerabilities Invite Exploits

Without regular CVE patches, your systems become a magnet for attackers targeting known vulnerabilities.

Exploits that were once easily blocked now pose serious threats, including privilege escalation, data theft, and remote code execution.

Failing Compliance Audits

Regulations like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 mandate the use of supported and secure software.

Running an EOL software or operating system without extended support will inevitably lead to compliance violations — putting your organization at serious legal and financial risk.

System Instability and Integration Failures

As the broader software ecosystem continues to evolve, outdated systems like Ubuntu 18.04 face increasing compatibility issues. Newer libraries, dependencies, and third-party integrations may stop working reliably, leading to broken applications and interruptions in service delivery.

Solutions for Ubuntu 18.04 EOL

As the sun sets on Ubuntu 18.04’s standard support, you must take quick action to avoid vulnerability exposure and potential risks.

Here are your main options:

Upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

If you are currently using Ubuntu 18.04, it is important to upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS as soon as possible. Moving to these LTS releases gives you full support and access to the latest features.

However, upgrading is not always straightforward and requires careful planning and extensive testing to ensure everything works properly. It’s crucial not to rush your migration process and instead approach it carefully.

TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS)

If migrating to newer LTS releases is not immediately possible, you can opt for extended support to secure your system.

TuxCare offers Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS) for Ubuntu 18.04, which delivers vendor-grade security patches for as long as needed after the end-of-life date. This allows you to migrate at your own pace while still receiving the necessary security updates.

TuxCare’s ELS covers security patches for critical packages like the Linux kernel, Apache, PHP, MySQL, OpenSSH, glibc, and OpenSSL. Visit our CVE Tracker page for a full list of supported packages.

Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM)

Canonical also offers Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM) that extends the security lifecycle of Ubuntu 18.04 for up to 10 years.

However, it is only available with Ubuntu Pro and the subscription to Ubuntu Pro is relatively high, which may not be cost-effective for teams that only require security patching.

TuxCare’s ELS vs. Ubuntu ESM

When it comes to securing Ubuntu after End of Life, two extended support options stand out: Canonical’s Ubuntu ESM (offered as part of Ubuntu Pro) and TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS).

Stay Secure, Stay Compliant Post Ubuntu 18.04 EOL

Now that Ubuntu 18.04 officially reached its end of life on May 31, 2023, continuing to run it without mitigation introduces serious security and compliance risks.

Ignoring this reality is no longer an option. Ideally, organizations should have already migrated to supported releases like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

For those unable to complete migration in time — or who need extended support until they can migrate at a more convenient point in time — TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS) for Ubuntu 18.04 offers a solution. ELS delivers ongoing security updates without the pressure of rushed upgrades or the high cost of an Ubuntu Pro subscription, ensuring you stay secure and compliant with timely security updates for as long as you need.

Need help planning your next steps? Our Linux security experts are here to help — explore how Ubuntu 18.04 ELS can keep you protected and compliant on your terms.

Summary

Article Name

Ubuntu 18.04 EOL: Next Steps & How to Secure Systems

Description

Ubuntu 18.04 has reached EOL. Learn your next steps, from upgrading to enabling ESM, and secure your systems with expert tips for continued protection.

Author

Rohan Timalsina

Publisher Name

TuxCare

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