Transitioning from CloudLinux 7 to CloudLinux 8: Vital Upgrade for End-of-Life (EOL) Mitigation

In today’s rapidly evolving hosting environment, it’s crucial for web hosting providers to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to ensure optimal performance, security, and customer satisfaction. As a result, transitioning cPanel and Plesk servers from CloudLinux 7 to CloudLinux 8 has become a vital step for hosting providers like QuickHostUK. In this blog post, we will delve into the technical reasons why this upgrade is necessary and explore the importance of migrating customers from the old server to the new server.

End-of-life (EOL)

End-of-life (EOL) refers to the point in time when the software or a specific version of an operating system is no longer supported by its developers or vendors. When software reaches EOL, it means that it will no longer receive critical security updates, bug fixes, or compatibility patches. Using EOL software poses significant risks to both the hosting provider and its customers. It leaves systems vulnerable to security breaches, as unpatched vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers. Additionally, EOL software lacks access to new features, performance optimizations, and compatibility improvements, hindering the ability to deliver a reliable and efficient hosting service. Migrating to CloudLinux 8 is essential to ensure continued support, access to the latest software packages, enhanced performance, and advanced security measures. By staying up-to-date with a supported and actively developed operating system like CloudLinux 8, hosting providers can proactively address potential risks and offer a more secure and reliable environment for their customers.

Migrating Servers

Transitioning from CloudLinux 7 to CloudLinux 8 poses a unique challenge as there is no direct upgrade path. To move to CloudLinux 8, a new server must be built, and all user data migrated to it. Migrating customers to the new servers ensures they benefit from enhanced stability, optimized resource allocation, and improved scalability. 

Improved Performance

CloudLinux 8 offers several performance enhancements compared to CentOS 7, allowing for better utilization of server resources and improved stability. Some key technical advantages include:

• Lightweight Kernel: CloudLinux 8 comes with a lightweight, optimized kernel designed specifically for web hosting environments. This kernel ensures efficient resource management and minimizes the impact of one tenant’s activities on others, resulting in increased stability and overall performance.
• KernelCare: CloudLinux’s KernelCare feature provides ongoing security patches and kernel updates without requiring a server reboot. This capability ensures that critical security updates are applied promptly while reducing downtime, ensuring a more secure and reliable hosting environment.
• Extended Support: CentOS 7 is set to reach its end-of-life (EOL) in 2024, which means it will no longer receive security updates and bug fixes. Upgrading to CloudLinux 8 ensures continued support and access to the latest software packages, mitigating potential vulnerabilities and keeping servers running smoothly.

Enhanced Security

With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, ensuring the security of customer data and websites is paramount. CloudLinux 8 offers advanced security features that provide an added layer of protection:

• SecureLinks: CloudLinux’s SecureLinks feature restricts the ability of hackers or malicious users to exploit vulnerable scripts or gain unauthorized access to critical system files. It strengthens the server’s overall security posture by preventing privilege escalation and enhancing isolation between user accounts.
• CageFS: CloudLinux’s CageFS isolates each customer in their virtualized file system, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data and files. This approach significantly reduces the risk of one compromised account affecting others, improving overall server security.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Migrating customers from the old server to the new server built on CloudLinux 8 brings several benefits to their hosting experience:

• Increased Stability: The optimized kernel and resource management capabilities of CloudLinux 8 contribute to a more stable hosting environment. By isolating and containing resource-intensive users, it ensures that no single account negatively impacts the performance and stability of others.
• Resource Allocation: CloudLinux 8 provides better control over resource allocation, allowing hosting providers to set specific limits for CPU, memory, and other resources. This ensures fair usage and prevents resource hogging by individual accounts, resulting in a smoother experience for all customers.
• Improved Scalability: CloudLinux 8 offers enhanced scalability options, enabling hosting providers to efficiently scale resources based on customer demands. This flexibility allows for seamless expansion without compromising performance or customer experience.

Embracing these advancements will help QuickHostUK stay at the forefront of the web hosting industry while delivering top-notch services to their valued customers.