CentOS Linux has been used by many users and companies for many years. However, with support ending on June 30, 2024, its subsequent use has become a major challenge!
This article explains the impact that the end of support for CentOS Linux will have, so please read to the end!
What is CentOS Linux?
CentOS Linux (Community ENTerprise Operating System) is one of the Linux distributions released by the CentOS Project.
Linux distributions are broadly categorized into two major groups: RedHat-based and Debian-based. CentOS Linux falls under the RedHat-based category.
Other well-known Linux distributions in the RedHat-based category include:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (Paid)
Fedora
AlmaLinux
Rocky Linux
Features of CentOS Linux
CentOS Linux is known for its high compatibility with RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux). This compatibility stems from CentOS being based on the publicly released source code of RHEL, with trademark and license-related parts removed.
Moreover, CentOS Linux is widely used in many servers and network devices, and being open-source software (OSS), it is available for free.
The support for CentOS Linux is scheduled to end with the EOL (End of Life) of CentOS Linux 7 on June 30, 2024. What are the reasons behind this end of support?
Background behind the end of support
CentOS Linux has historically served as a generic version of RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux), addressing bugs and issues found in RHEL as a clone OS.
Due to this role, CentOS Linux has been widely adopted by more users than other Linux distributions.
However, with the end of support for CentOS Linux, its successor CentOS Stream has been announced to function not as a replacement for traditional CentOS Linux but as a development branch of RHEL. Consequently, it became unable to maintain the stability previously associated with CentOS Linux.
As a result of these changes, attention has shifted towards other Linux distributions such as AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, which aim to fill the void left by traditional CentOS Linux, maintaining a similar position and stability.
What are the impacts of the end of support for CentOS Linux
The end of support for CentOS Linux will have various impacts:
The most immediate impact is that CentOS Linux 7 will no longer receive new security patches and updates. This means that any newly discovered vulnerabilities or bugs will not be addressed, increasing the risk of system and data breaches.
Additionally, the lack of support for CentOS Linux may constrain the adoption of new features and technologies, limiting capabilities in this regard.
These changes are particularly impactful for organizations rather than individuals.
For organizations, especially those handling sensitive information, the inability to maintain the previous level of security offered by CentOS Linux poses a significant risk. This could lead to potential data leaks, impacting trust from business partners and potentially affecting business performance negatively.
Planning and implementing strategies to mitigate these impacts are crucial tasks for CentOS Linux users moving forward.
To address security risks
To minimize security risks associated with the end of support for CentOS Linux, it is important to implement the following practices:
● Adoption of Alternative Distributions
After the end of support for CentOS Linux, transitioning to alternative distributions such as AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux is recommended. These distributions are free to use and compatible with RHEL, similar to traditional CentOS Linux.
These distributions continue to provide security updates and patches, ensuring secure operations. They are recognized as viable migration options from CentOS Linux. For those considering migration, also explore our CentOS server migration solutions.
● Use of External Services
For those who want to further consider the migration destination of CentOS Linux, still need to thoroughly assess the risks associated with migration, or wish to continue using CentOS Linux for reasons such as continued security vulnerabilities, there is also the option of using an external service for extending CentOS Linux support.
Although this service is paid, it reduces security risks by providing security patches for vulnerabilities and technical support
Summary
You still have time until the end of support for CentOS Linux, but postponing the decision may lead to unforeseen issues in the future.
At this stage, it's crucial to consider whether to migrate to another Linux distribution or continue using CentOS Linux as is.
It's important to carefully evaluate and decide on the best approach for your situation and take action accordingly!
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Thank you for reading!
This blog post is translated from a blog post written by Narita on our Japanese website Beyond Co..
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