KernelCare Live Patching
Patch management software
Vulnerability management software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$3.95 per server per month
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
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- Information technology and software
- Energy and utilities
- Media and communications
What is KernelCare Live Patching
KernelCare Live Patching is a Linux live patching product that applies security patches to the running kernel without requiring a system reboot. It is used by IT operations, SRE, and security teams to reduce maintenance windows and improve patch compliance on Linux servers, including cloud and on-prem environments. The product focuses on kernel-level updates and integrates with common Linux distributions, with optional add-ons for selected user-space components depending on licensing and configuration.
Rebootless kernel security patching
KernelCare applies kernel security fixes without requiring a reboot, which helps maintain uptime for production workloads. This is particularly useful for environments where reboot coordination is difficult (e.g., 24/7 services, large fleets, or regulated change windows). It can reduce the operational friction that often delays kernel patching.
Broad Linux distribution coverage
KernelCare supports multiple major Linux distributions and common kernel variants, which helps standardize patching across heterogeneous server estates. This is valuable for organizations running mixed environments across data centers and public cloud. It can simplify patch operations compared with approaches that depend heavily on a single OS vendor’s tooling.
Operationally lightweight deployment
The agent-based approach is typically straightforward to roll out and manage across many servers. It is designed for continuous application of kernel fixes rather than periodic, reboot-driven patch cycles. This can complement existing automation and endpoint management processes by reducing the number of disruptive maintenance actions required.
Narrow scope versus full patching
KernelCare primarily addresses Linux kernel live patching, which is only one part of overall patch management. Organizations still need separate processes/tools for OS packages, third-party applications, and non-Linux endpoints. Buyers looking for a single console to manage broad endpoint patching may find the scope limited.
Not a full vulnerability platform
While it supports security patching, it does not replace a full vulnerability management program that includes discovery, risk prioritization, and remediation workflows across diverse asset types. Teams may need additional tooling for vulnerability scanning, asset inventory, and compliance reporting. This can increase integration and operational overhead.
Kernel and distro constraints apply
Live patching depends on supported kernels and distributions, and coverage can vary by OS version and kernel flavor. Some updates still require reboots (e.g., certain non-kernel changes, major upgrades, or unsupported patch scenarios). Organizations must validate compatibility and operational procedures for their specific fleet.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 license | $3.95 per server/month (annual: $45 per server/year) | Single-server subscription rate. |
| 2–49 licenses | $2.95 per server/month (annual: $33 per server/year) | Volume tier (per-server pricing). |
| 50–499 licenses | $2.55 per server/month (annual: $28 per server/year) | Volume tier (per-server pricing). |
| 500+ licenses | $2.25 per server/month (annual: $25 per server/year) | Enterprise volume tier; typically purchased/managed via CloudLinux Network (CLN). |
Seller details
CloudLinux Inc.
Palo Alto, CA, USA
2009
Private
https://www.cloudlinux.com/
https://x.com/cloudlinux
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloudlinux/
