Key Points
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) and Ubuntu Core 24 have introduced a 12-year Long Term Support commitment for 32-bit Arm® processors.
• This addresses the critical time_t overflow issue, also known as the "Year 2038 problem," ensuring long-term security maintenance for these processors.
• This move helps IoT devices meet the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requirements and extends the lifespan of devices running these processors.
As tech journalist, I’m excited to share the latest developments from Canonical, the creators of Ubuntu, as they address the critical "Year 2038 problem" affecting 32-bit Arm processors. With the release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) and Ubuntu Core 24, Canonical has made a significant commitment to providing 12-year Long Term Support (LTS) for these processors. This is a major step forward in ensuring the reliability and security of IoT devices, particularly those that require smaller DRAM footprints and optimized cache usage.
The Year 2038 problem, caused by the overflow of the time_t value used in many computing systems, is a ticking time bomb. The time_t value represents the date as the number of seconds since January 1, 1970. This value is used in many computing systems, including operating systems, and is critical for ensuring correct date and time calculations. The problem arises when the time_t value reaches its maximum value of 2,147,483,647, causing it to wrap around and start counting from a negative value, effectively making dates after January 19, 2038, impossible to calculate accurately. This has severe implications for systems relying on precise date and time calculations, including financial transactions, data storage, and IoT devices.
What’s at stake?
The impact of the Year 2038 problem on IoT devices is particularly concerning, as these devices are often designed with limited resources, making them vulnerable to potential crashes and security breaches. In a world where IoT devices are increasingly connected to the internet and control critical infrastructure, the potential consequences of this problem are devastating. The European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) highlights the importance of addressing this issue, emphasizing the need for reliable and secure devices.
How Canonical is addressing the issue?
Canonical has taken a bold step by introducing 12-year Long Term Support for 32-bit Arm processors. This move ensures that devices running these processors will receive critical security updates and maintenance for an extended period. With Ubuntu Pro, Canonical provides a reliable and secure platform for IoT devices, enabling them to meet the stringent requirements of the CRA. Ubuntu Pro is a certified, open-source operating system that provides long-term support for critical infrastructure, ensuring the continued security and reliability of devices.
In conclusion, Canonical’s decision to provide 12-year Long Term Support for 32-bit Arm processors is a significant milestone in addressing the Year 2038 problem. By doing so, Canonical ensures that IoT devices running these processors can continue to operate reliably and securely, meeting the requirements of the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act. As an Ubuntu user or enthusiast, this move is essential for ensuring the continued security and reliability of your devices. With the release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) and Ubuntu Core 24, Canonical is reaffirming its commitment to the open-source community and ensuring the longevity of Ubuntu-based devices.
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