CentOS 7 Support for Post-EOL Security and Stability

June 30, 2024 marked the end of life (EOL) for CentOS 7. This critical milestone marked the end of official updates, patches and security fixes, meaning Linux systems users need to find alternatives for CentOS 7 extended support. With Linux systems now vulnerable to attacks, the best time to find CentOS EOL support that will ensure your infrastructure remains secure, stable and compliant is now.

While you may choose to migrate to a new operating system, you need to ensure support and security for the CentOS workloads that are running unprotected until your migration is complete. This is where post-EOL CentOS support comes in.

This article will detail the risks your CentOS systems face now that CentOS 7 is EOL and introduce a seamless solution for extended CentOS 7 support from SUSE.

Quick Facts About CentOS 7 End of Life

Is CentOS 7 end of life?

CentOS 7 reached its end of life on June 30, 2024. As of July 1st, 2024, CentOS will no longer receive official updates, patches or support. For more details, read our comprehensive guide to CentOS EOL.

Why is CentOS 7 end of life happening?

CentOS was a free, downstream Linux distribution that many operators used in development and testing environments. The CentOS Project announced in 2020 a shift in focus towards CentOS Stream, which is an upstream development platform for the commercial version of the distro. They announced that CentOS 7 would reach its end of life in June 2024, meaning the end of updates and releases.

Did the CentOS 7 EOL date change?

The CentOS 7 end of life date passed on June 30th, 2024 as scheduled.

Is CentOS 7 still supported?

Official support for CentOS 7 has ended, meaning no more updates or security patches will be provided by the CentOS project. If you’re still running CentOS, your systems are at risk for cyberattacks and data leaks.

What replaces CentOS 7?

The current proprietors of CentOS advise a full migration to another operating system, as there is no official upgrade path available to another version of CentOS. You can choose to migrate to a new environment, or opt for a no-migration CentOS alternative with third-party support.

What is the future of CentOS 7?

Without official support, CentOS 7 systems are at risk for security vulnerabilities and operational issues. CentOS will keep running for the time being; however, it’s dangerous to rely on an OS that does not receive security updates. Secure the future of your CentOS workloads by transitioning to a supported solution.

Immediate Risks Post-CentOS 7 EOL

Running a sunsetted Linux OS puts your technology stack at risk. Specifically, these are the biggest threats you’ll face by continuing to run a discontinued CentOS without support:

• Security Vulnerabilities and Cyber Threats: Without CentOS 7 end of life extended support, your systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. Unpatched vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, loss of sensitive information and severe financial repercussions.
• Operational Disruptions and Downtime: Unsupported systems are prone to failures and performance issues, leading to operational disruptions. Downtime can affect your business continuity, resulting in lost revenue and customer trust.
• Compliance and Regulatory Risks: Running unsupported software can lead to non-compliance with industry regulations and standards. This can result in hefty fines and legal consequences, further jeopardizing your business.

These implications underscore the urgency of securing support following CentOS end of life. The time has come to regain liberty and secure your IT future.

SUSE’s Comprehensive CentOS Support Solution

SUSE Multi-Linux Support

With SUSE, you can keep the CentOS distros you rely on, while ensuring the highest quality support and security. SUSE Multi-Linux Support offers a seamless solution to extend the life of your CentOS 7 systems up to 2028 with transparent roadmaps, stable LTS versions and proactive updates.

Transitioning to SUSE Multi-Linux Support is straightforward. Simply remove Red Hat patch repositories and install SUSE channels. This ensures stability and functionality without the need for a disruptive and time-consuming migration to a CentOS replacement.

How SUSE Multi-Linux Support Provides Post-EOL CentOS 7 Support

SUSE Multi-Linux Support offers extended CentOS support without requiring migration to a new Linux distribution. Here’s how:

• Backported Fixes: SUSE’s approach to backporting involves applying security patches from newer software versions provide CentOS 7 EOL extended support. This method addresses vulnerabilities without requiring major upgrades, maintaining your systems’ security and stability.
• API and ABI Compatibility: SUSE Multi-Linux Support ensures 100% compatibility with your existing APIs and ABIs. This guarantees that your applications continue to function as expected, preventing business disruptions.
• 24/7 Enterprise-Grade Support: With SUSE Multi-Linux Support, you gain access to a dedicated support team available 24/7/365 via chat, email or phone, with follow-the-sun support in local languages. Our support includes guaranteed business-critical SLAs and comprehensive assistance from problem identification to resolution.

For over 30 years, SUSE has been a leader in enterprise Linux support, offering a 100% CentOS-compatible Linux since CentOS 5. As a founding member of the Open Enterprise Linux Association (OpenELA), SUSE promotes and empowers genuine Linux vendor independence. Leveraging this extensive experience and commitment to open source principles, SUSE is a reliable, expert source of CentOS 7 support and maintenance, ensuring your systems’ security and operations after the official EOL through reliable CentOS extended support. 

Act Now: Secure your Workloads with CentOS 7 Extended Support

End of life is here, and businesses need to enact a CentOS 7 extended support strategy. Delaying action can lead to severe consequences, including security breaches, operational downtime and non-compliance penalties. Acting now ensures your workloads will remain secure and functional on CentOS into the future.

SUSE Multi-Linux Support offers a seamless, reliable and secure way to extend the life of your CentOS 7 systems. Don’t wait until vulnerabilities and disruptions impact your business. Together, let’s empower your Linux journey with possibilities, unbounded by versions or lifecycles.

For more details about your CentOS 7 support options, check out the recent guide: Understanding CentOS EOL Support Options and Services.

Contact SUSE today to learn more about how we can help you maintain and secure your CentOS.