Steps to Install KernelCare on cPanel

Introduction:

This article will guide you about installing the KernelCare Software via the command line. KernalCare automatically updates the system’s Linux® kernel without rebooting.

Note:

To install KernalCare automatically via WHM read the purchase from WHM section > How to Purchase a KernelCare License documentation.

What is KernelCare?

KernelCare is a live patching service for Linux kernels, offering security updates and bug fixes without requiring reboots. This means you can keep your systems running and secure without experiencing downtime or service interruptions. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

What it does:

  • Patches vulnerabilities: It applies security patches and bug fixes to the running kernel, addressing critical issues as soon as they become known.
  • Live patching: No need to reboot your system for updates to take effect. This is particularly valuable for mission-critical applications and services.
  • Supports various distributions: Works with a range of popular Linux distributions, including CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Ubuntu, and Debian.
  • Automated patching: Patches are automatically applied on a regular schedule (usually every 4 hours), ensuring your systems stay up-to-date.

Benefits:

  • Improved security: Reduced risk of attacks by applying patches quickly and efficiently.
  • Increased uptime: No downtime for patching, minimizing disruptions to your operations.
  • Enhanced performance: Fixes bugs and improves kernel stability, leading to a smoother system experience.
  • Reduced workload: Automates kernel patching, freeing up your IT team for other tasks.

Who uses it:

  • System administrators and IT professionals managing Linux servers.
  • Businesses and organizations rely on high uptime and security for their systems.
  • Cloud providers and hosting services offer secure Linux environments.

KernelCare vs. Traditional Patching:

Traditional patching involves downloading and installing updates, followed by a system reboot to apply them. This can be inconvenient and disruptive, especially for critical applications. KernelCare eliminates the need for reboots, offering a more seamless and efficient patching experience.

Overall, KernelCare is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to keep their Linux systems secure and up-to-date without sacrificing uptime or performance. It’s a commercial product with a free trial available if you’re interested in trying it out.

I hope this explanation clarifies what KernelCare is and how it can benefit you. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!

How Install KernalCare?

Important to note:

  • You have to run these commands as the root user.
  • To install and run the KernelCare, disable the secure boot if it’s not done previously.

Check the compatible kernels

Before buying and installing KernelCare make sure that your system possesses a compatible kernel. To know more read the KernelCare documentation.

Select and run the preferred command

You’ve to select the two different SSH commands to start the KernelCare installation process. To start the installation, run one of the below-mentioned commands:

  1. curl -s https://repo.cloudlinux.com/kernelcare/kernelcare_install.sh | bash

  2. wget -qq -O – https://repo.cloudlinux.com/kernelcare/kernelcare_install.sh | bash

Register the License key

Important

  • Avoid this step if you’ve purchased the KernelCare license from the cPane store.
  • It uses IP–based licensing that eliminates manual registration.

The KernelCare license key gets deployed and registers on the server. To register the key, run the following command:

/usr/bin/kcarectl –register $kc_key

Monitor the applied patches

Once you register the KernelCare, you need to monitor the applied patches. This ensures that the automated kernel security updates are running properly on the server. To monitor the applied patches, apply the following command:

/usr/bin/kcarectl –info

Manual monitoring of patch updates

KernelCare will automatically check the new patches every four hours. If you want to monitor the new patches manually then apply the following command:

/usr/bin/kcarectl –update

Leave a Reply