Is it possible to implement a Linux kernel patch without disrupting other applications?

In this day and age, we depend on technological advancements to perform even the most rudimentary tasks. Whether ordering food, grocery shopping, posting on social media,  playing video games, or communicating via text message, there’s technology involved. Unfortunately, most casual texters and social media influencers don’t understand the intricate systems and software that power their favorite technological devices.

Even if you don’t identify as particularly tech-savvy, you’ve most likely come across the word server. Though you may occasionally incorporate this technical jargon into a sentence, you might not understand what a server actually is. Without getting technical, a server is a piece of centralized software or hardware where data is stored. A server responds to requests made over a network.

Servers, especially the software bit, require updating at some point. Why? Much like your desktop computer or mobile device, servers run on an operating system that requires preventive maintenance to keep the system updated, stable, and secure from cyber threats, viruses, and malware.

How to update Linux kernels

If you’re running your system with Linux servers, you could implement a couple of methods to keep your system kernels up-to-date. Let’s look at some of the most common.

Command-line

Command-line is, perhaps, the most standard way to update your Linux system. Follow the manuals provided by your vendor to follow the procedure for updating. However, you should note that you have to reboot for the updates to take effect in your system, potentially causing inconveniencing delays.

Kexec

Kexec comes in handy for quicker rebooting after updating your system. It allows you to skip some steps, successfully shortening your reboot time and enabling you to return to your other work responsibilities.

Live patching

What if you don’t want to reboot your Linux system, yet you still want the security updates? Is there a solution? Live patching options like this allow you to update your Linux kernels without rebooting. With the ability to skip tedious restarts, you can minimize the risk of exceeding deadlines or negatively impacting workplace productivity.

Do you want to learn more about how you can update your Linux kernels without disrupting other applications? Continue reading for more information.

What is Linux kernel live patching?

Simply put, live patching is updating your system without stopping it. It’s a process well-known for updating the security level of Linux servers without costly server downtime. Live patching updates your Linux kernels without the need to reboot your system, promoting efficiency.

Live patching is a technology with over a decade-long history. Prior to its invention, IT personnel would choose to run Linux servers with known vulnerabilities. The other alternative would be shutting down the systems to install security updates. This process was incredibly time-consuming and inconveniencing to those IT professionals balancing hectic work schedules.

Now, with Linux kernel live patching, system administrators acknowledge its criticality in strengthening the security of the systems against cyber-attacks with minimal disruptions. It’s no longer a tool of convenience alone. Beyond this, live patching doesn’t slow your system at all, making it.

Where to purchase Linux reboot-free software

Who offers Linux kernel live patching? Since its conception in 2008, Linux live patching has undergone tremendous advancements. To that end, today, there are a couple of vendors offering Linux live patching solutions.

However, the key thing to note is that the vendor of choice will depend on the distribution you run.

Why should you use Linux Kernel live patching?

As previously mentioned, the primary reason to opt for live patching is to avoid reboots. For those unfamiliar with Linux Kernel live patching, you may wonder if its reboot-free operation mode is the only incentive of live patching.

Simply put, the answer is no. There are various other benefits of live patching, including:

Compliance

The ability to keep your servers running throughout the workday with minimal interruptions is a plus for companies seeking certifications like SOC 2. Linux rebootless kernel updates make it easier to gain compliance certificates by running a secure system with no downtime.

Convenience / Availability

As an internet user, there will be times when you’ll try to access specific sites, only to receive the message “servers down for maintenance.” Although rare, these run-ins are incredibly frustrating for those customers looking to purchase a product or book a service.

Luckily, with Linux rebootless kernel patches, you won’t need to shut down your systems for security updates. You can continue to run seamless operations even as your systems update. Sadly, customer loyalty is fragile. This simple message could deter potential buyers who associate website maintenance with disorganization.

Budget-friendly

Imagine the amount of revenue that is lost when servers are disrupted? Colossal, right? However, this is not the case with Linux servers. Thanks to Linux kernel live patching, it enables you to boost your systems’ security features even as operations continue uninterrupted.

Conclusion

As Linux gains rapid popularity and earns its title of a reliable platform in servers, web hosting, game hosting, and web applications, it’s become a primary target for cyber-attacks. Updating your system with the latest software is pivotal in thwarting the efforts of hackers. The good news is that with Linux kernel live patching, you can strengthen your system security with reduced downtime.

You don’t need to postpone that critical security update for your Linux kernels in fear of system interruptions. Find the best of both worlds by implementing a Linux kernel patch.