When it comes to maintaining system security, applying patches is one of the most critical tasks for any Linux administrator. However, traditional patching often requires a reboot, which can be disruptive—especially for systems that demand high availability. To solve this issue, Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) introduced Livepatch, a service that allows you to patch the Linux kernel without rebooting the system.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how Ubuntu’s Livepatch service works, its advantages and limitations, ideal use cases, and why it might—or might not—be the right fit for your organization. We’ll also introduce an alternative for broader patch management: SecOps Solution.
Ubuntu Livepatch is a service offered by Canonical that applies critical security patches to the Linux kernel while the system is running. By using Kernel Live Patching, it helps eliminate the downtime traditionally associated with applying kernel updates. The Livepatch service works on Ubuntu LTS versions (16.04 and later) and is available for both desktop and server systems.
It is especially useful in environments where uptime is critical—such as production servers, financial systems, or IoT deployments.
Livepatch uses the kpatch and kGraft technologies (integrated with Canonical’s infrastructure) to dynamically insert patches into the running kernel without requiring a reboot. Once enabled via the canonical-livepatch client, the system checks in periodically with Canonical’s servers to receive and apply kernel patches as they are released.
Activation:
sudo snap install canonical-livepatch
sudo canonical-livepatch enable <TOKEN>
Livepatch applies patches on the fly, eliminating the need to reboot the system. This is ideal for production servers and mission-critical systems.
Because kernel vulnerabilities can be among the most severe, applying patches without delay ensures a quicker security posture.
The setup process is straightforward. After activation, updates are applied automatically with minimal administrator intervention.
Canonical offers Livepatch free of charge for up to three machines, making it suitable for individual developers and small setups.
Livepatch is integrated into Canonical's Landscape system management tool, allowing for centralized patch tracking and system health monitoring.
Livepatch only addresses critical kernel vulnerabilities. It does not patch user-space applications or packages, meaning other components of the system still need manual or automated patching.
Livepatch only supports Long-Term Support versions of Ubuntu, so it’s not available on interim or non-LTS releases.
All patching operations rely on Canonical's servers, which could be a concern for environments with strict network or privacy constraints.
Some patches (especially structural or non-critical ones) may still require a reboot eventually. Livepatch defers the reboot, not removes the need permanently.
While free for up to three systems, organizations managing dozens or hundreds of servers will need a Canonical Ubuntu Advantage subscription for broader usage.
In industries like finance, e-commerce, or healthcare where even a few minutes of downtime can be costly, Livepatch ensures uninterrupted service.
For systems deployed in remote or difficult-to-access locations, Livepatch reduces the need for on-site maintenance.
Livepatch helps maintain kernel security without interrupting ongoing automation pipelines or testing environments.
Certain compliance frameworks (e.g., FISMA, HIPAA) require critical vulnerabilities to be patched within tight deadlines. Livepatch helps meet these obligations without taking systems offline.
While Livepatch is a great solution for kernel-level patching, it doesn’t cover the full spectrum of vulnerabilities in a typical system. Most attacks today target user-space applications, third-party tools, misconfigurations, or outdated dependencies. Therefore, relying solely on Livepatch could leave your infrastructure partially exposed.
If you’re looking for a more holistic, agentless, and scalable approach to securing your Linux and Windows infrastructure—including desktops, servers, and cloud workloads—SecOps Solution has you covered.
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, SecOps Solution helps ensure your systems are secure, up to date, and compliant—without disrupting productivity.
Ubuntu’s Livepatch service is a powerful tool that addresses a critical pain point in traditional system administration: applying kernel updates without reboots. It’s ideal for organizations that prioritize uptime and want a quick solution for mitigating kernel-level vulnerabilities.
However, for organizations seeking comprehensive security coverage—including application patching, compliance reporting, and vulnerability remediation—SecOps Solution offers a complete platform built for modern IT and SecOps teams.
SecOps Solution is a Full-stack Patch and Vulnerability Management Platform that helps organizations identify, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in seconds.
To learn more, get in touch.
