Introduction

Linux Torvalds at a recent open source conference in China summarized some of the largest concerns for the Linux core team.

• The security fixes for the most severe cases will require changes to the system kernel code. Service availability will be impacted if it’s a kernel upgrade (reboot) versus patches (no reboot).
• Intel continues to heavily market the benefits of hyperthreading, but ironically eliminating the vulnerabilities relies heavily on disabling that feature.
• Moore’s Law states the doubling of hardware performance every 18 months. That burden will shift, according to Mr. Torvalds, towards code optimization moving forward.
• The Linux patch cycle is slated to be a six months planning cycle, and with patches coming out every three months.

Mitigation

Ubuntu users have access to the free (up to three servers) live patch service. Link

• Fixes are applied automatically, without restarting your system.
• Reduces downtime, keeping your Ubuntu LTS systems secure and compliant
• Included as part of all Ubuntu Advantage for Infrastructure support packages

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