Key Points
- Canonical’s new kernel module signing certificate (May 16, 2025) requires Livepatch Client version 10.11.2 or newer to apply updates on kernels released after July 2026.
- Livepatch Client is a snap, ensuring automatic updates for most systems. However, manual checks are critical for older systems or specific configurations to avoid security gaps.
- Users must upgrade Livepatch before July 2026 to maintain protection on future kernels, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance in open-source ecosystems.
Ubuntu users and Linux administrators caught a glimpse of future security changes during the 2025 Ubuntu release cycle. On May 16, 2025, Canonical’s kernel team issued a new module signing certificate that will be embedded in all Ubuntu kernels published afterward. This certificate is part of Canonical’s ongoing efforts to ensure the Linux kernel’s security framework remains robust and up to date. The company has embedded this certificate into the Livepatch Client, version 10.11.2, released on June 13, 2025. The catch? Systems using older Livepatch versions will be unable to apply critical updates to kernels signed with this new certificate after July 2026.
What’s the fuss about module signing certificates? In Linux, kernel modules—small pieces of code that add functionality to the operating system’s core—need to be verified to prevent malicious software from infiltrating the kernel. This is especially vital for enterprises relying on Ubuntu’s Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, which are used in servers, IoT devices, and other mission-critical infrastructure. The new certificate represents a cryptographic “handshake” between the Livepatch Client and the kernel. If that handshake fails, users lose the ability to apply rebootless security patches.
Canonical Livepatch, a service many rely on, addresses this issue head-on. Unlike traditional patching methods that require system reboots, Livepatch applies fixes directly to the running kernel using in-memory patches. This is a game-changer for environments where downtime is unacceptable. For example, a hospital’s data servers or a financial institution’s back-end systems cannot afford to stop services for updates. Livepatch ensures these systems stay secure without interruption.
The June 13, 2025, release of Livepatch Client 10.11.2 is notable because it incorporates the new signing certificate. While snaps (Canonical’s packaging system) are automatically updated in many setups, this timeline makes urgency clear. If you’re using an LTS release (like Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04), you’ll need to verify your Livepatch version by July 2026, as older kernels won’t be signed with the new certificate. Check your client version now with the command canonical-livepatch status --verbose to avoid future compliance risks.
This update underscores Canonical’s commitment to open-source security innovation. By embedding the certificate across kernels post-May 2025, they’re future-proofing Ubuntu against evolving threats. It also reinforces how snaps simplify software management for developers and admins. Snaps, which package apps and services with their dependencies, automatically roll updates in the background. For Livepatch users, this means fewer manual steps—but only if systems are configured to accept snap updates. Some organizations still rely on traditional package managers or locked-down environments, making manual verification of Livepatch’s version a must.
The open-source community, which values transparency and self-hosting, should note this aligns with broader security trends. Other distributions use similar mechanisms for kernel updates, but Canonical’s proactive timeline gives Ubuntu users a clear heads-up. This move also ties into the Ubuntu Core ecosystem, where secure, long-term updates are non-negotiable for edge computing and embedded devices.
For regular Ubuntu desktop users, the impact is minimal unless you’re running custom hardware or older software stacks. But enterprise users, or those in regulated industries, need to treat this as a high-priority task. Automated patches are only effective if your tools support the latest security standards, and Canonical isn’t waiting for the next LTS cycle to enforce that.
What’s next? Canonical has not disclosed the reasons for retiring the old certificate, but such transitions are typical in cryptographic systems to enhance protection against key compromises. This aligns with its role as Ubuntu’s steward, balancing innovation with backward compatibility. The company also emphasizes that Linux kernel security is a shared responsibility—users must stay current with tools that uphold that promise.
If you’re a power user or maintainer of Ubuntu systems, now is the time to review your workflows. Ensure your Livepatch is set to auto-update, and if it isn’t, upgrade manually to version 10.11.2. Consider testing how your environment reacts to Livepatch updates in the coming months to avoid surprises later. As open-source software matures, updates like these remind us that staying secure isn’t just about having the tools—it’s about using them intelligently and proactively.
Canonical’s updates highlight a truth for Linux and Ubuntu: security evolves, and user responsibility keeps it alive. The Livepatch client rewrite (introduced this year) and the certificate shift signal a focus on resilience, especially as LTS branches grow long-term. Whether you’re patching a single machine or a thousand servers, the message is clear—alignment with Canonical’s ecosystem timelines is key.
Ubuntu’s Livepatch isn’t just a convenience tool; it’s a critical layer in the Linux security stack. For Canonical and its users, it’s yet another reason to embrace automation and planned upgrades. The road to secure, long-living Linux systems passes through small but essential updates like these. Don’t get left behind.
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