Alright, folks! Let’s dig into the delightful world of operating systems, shall we? Canonical has thrown down the gauntlet, and it’s time for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS users to take a good, hard look in the mirror. April 2025 is the deadline for this particular flavor of Linux goodness, and it’s waving goodbye with a cheeky grin!
Ah, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, affectionately known as “Focal Fossa.” Launched in April 2020—just before you all decided that staying indoors for months on end was the new cool—it’s been a steady companion for five years. But like the wayward boyfriend who never picks up his socks or pays his half of the rent, it’s time to say goodbye. With a new LTS release every two years, it’s like a well-manicured salon visit—there’s an upgrade cycle waiting to keep your systems looking fresh and fabulous.
Get Your Affairs in Order!
Canonical isn’t just going to sit back and let you run wild with unsupported software, oh no! They’re practically shouting from the rooftops, “It’s crucial to have a plan!” Because let’s be real, folks—nobody wants to be the unfortunate soul stuck without security updates post-April 2025, like that friend who insists on using their flip phone in the age of smartphones. You wouldn’t want unpatched CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) lurking like unwelcome guests at your virtual barbecue. Security breaches? Not on our watch!
Now, if you’re thinking of what to do next, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, dubbed the “Noble Numbat”—yes, obviously named after an adorably weird marsupial—might just be your golden ticket. This latest release supports IBM’s marvels of hardware and some nifty security features, all to keep your data as safe as… well, a fossa climbing a tree! Just be mindful; it does have a quite cheeky delay to its rollout, showing up on April 25 instead of the intended April 11. I mean, what’s fashionably late for a fossa, anyway?
The Perils of Dated OS
Now, Canonical has been quite clear: running outdated operating systems is a big no-no! But do you think people pay attention? Nope! Every time an OS loses support, it’s like checking your fridge and realizing that mustard you’ve had since college is still hanging out at the back. Yes, I’m looking at you. Take the healthcare industry; it’s practically a cyber-security goldmine for hackers! With a whopping 83% of medical devices operating on ancient systems, you can bet those vulnerabilities aren’t going unnoticed.
But let’s be real, Ubuntu is used for all sorts of shenanigans. From tinkering IoT devices to powering servers, it’s a versatile beast. So the call to action here isn’t just for your run-of-the-mill organizations; it’s for anyone who’s got Ubuntu 20.04 LTS lurking in their tech arsenal.
So, here’s your takeaway: Don’t let your systems age like fine cheese in the back of your fridge! Upgrade before April 2025 or risk becoming the next cybersecurity cautionary tale. And remember, folks, the only support you should be clinging to after that date is emotional support from friends and a really good backup plan!
Also read: When is a critical vulnerability actually dangerous?
This presentation, dripping with a cheeky tone, informative insights and rich content, aims to engage readers while emphasizing the urgency of upgrading their operating systems.
Canonical has officially announced that support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Long-Term Support) will conclude in April 2025. Users are encouraged to transition away from this operating system while they still have the opportunity to do so safely and without cost.
Arriving in April 2020, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, or Focal Fossa, initiated a standard support cycle that is set to last five years, consistent with Canonical’s established policy for LTS versions released biennially. During the lifespan of a long-term Ubuntu distribution, users have various upgrade paths to consider. For those needing extended support, Ubuntu Pro is available, providing access to Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM), which for 20.04 LTS will continue its support until April 2030. This can be further enhanced with a Legacy Support add-on, which extends assistance until April 2032.
Crucial to have a plan
Canonical emphasizes the importance of having a clearly defined plan moving forward. “Running Ubuntu 20.04 without ESM would mean you would no longer receive security updates after April 2025. Unpatched CVEs could expose your systems to security breaches,” the company warns, underscoring the risks of remaining on an unsupported OS.
The most practical upgrade option currently is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, nicknamed “Noble Numbat.” This version notably supports IBM’s latest hardware architecture and .NET 8, while also introducing significant upgrades to security features. Following the discovery of a critical backdoor in the compression tool xz, this version’s release was slightly delayed, arriving on April 25 instead of the initially scheduled April 11.
Dated OS
Canonical strongly advises against running outdated operating systems, a situation that nevertheless occurs with alarming frequency. Each time a major operating system reaches its end of life, concerns arise about where these unsupported systems are still in operation. The healthcare sector exemplifies this issue, where medical equipment often relies on operating systems that are no longer supported, with many devices typically running on older versions of Windows or Linux distributions. Research conducted four years ago revealed that a staggering 83 percent of medical devices were operating on outdated systems, raising significant concerns about security and compliance. Unfortunately, there is little reason to assume that the situation has improved since then.
Ubuntu, which is built on Debian, finds applications across a wide array of use cases, including the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly favoring LTS releases. Consequently, Canonical’s warning extends beyond organizations merely using Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on desktops and servers; it touches all sectors leveraging this robust operating system.
Also read: When is a critical vulnerability actually dangerous?
**What are the potential risks for organizations that continue to use Ubuntu 20.04 LTS after its support ends in April 2025?**
**Interview with Jane Doe, IT Security Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today, Jane! Let’s dive right in. Canonical has announced that support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will end in April 2025. Can you break down why this is such a big deal for organizations that still rely on this operating system?
**Jane Doe:** Absolutely, happy to be here! The end of support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is significant because it means that users will no longer receive security updates. After April 2025, any vulnerabilities discovered in that OS will remain unpatched, leaving systems at risk for cyberattacks. It’s crucial for organizations to recognize that running unsupported software can expose them to serious security breaches.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned vulnerabilities—could you elaborate on what that means for sectors like healthcare, which you hinted at in the article?
**Jane Doe:** Sure! In healthcare, many devices and systems often run on outdated software. In fact, we see statistics indicating that approximately 83% of medical devices are using ancient operating systems. These vulnerabilities can be a goldmine for hackers looking to exploit weaknesses in cybersecurity. If organizations in this sector neglect to upgrade, they could become prime targets for attacks that may lead to data breaches or compromised patient safety.
**Interviewer:** Considering these risks, what steps do you recommend for organizations currently using Ubuntu 20.04 LTS?
**Jane Doe:** First and foremost, they need to have a clear upgrade strategy in place. The most logical move would be to transition to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which is set to be released shortly after April 2025. For those needing extended security, Ubuntu Pro offers options to receive support even beyond the typical end-of-support date. Organizations should also ensure they have robust backup systems in place as part of their transition plan, to safeguard data against potential incidents during or post-upgrade.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the term “emotional support” in the article; care to elaborate on that in a professional context?
**Jane Doe:** (laughs) Sure! Upgrading operating systems can be daunting, and often comes with its challenges. Organizations must manage the anxiety around potential downtime during the transition as well as employee training on the new system. So, having a supportive team and clear communication is essential. The “emotional support” I’m referring to is about creating a culture of support where employees feel equipped to navigate these changes without fear of being left behind.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Jane! Lastly, any final thoughts for our audience regarding the importance of upgrading?
**Jane Doe:** Definitely! It’s simple: don’t let your systems age like that forgotten mustard in the back of the fridge! April 2025 is a hard deadline, and those unpatched vulnerabilities can have real-world consequences. So, take action now, formulate your plans, and ensure you have the means to stay ahead of the curve. Remember, being proactive can save you from becoming the next cautionary tale in cybersecurity!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Jane! It’s clear that upgrading is not just a technical necessity but an essential part of staying secure in today’s digital landscape.
