Overview
On Nov. 30 2020, Red Hat will discontinue support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 6. After this date, security patches will no longer be released for RHEL 6 systems and they will be easy targets for hackers looking to exploit these systems.
Campus policy requires that devices connected to the network run software for which security patches are made available and installed in a timely fashion. After Nov. 30, RHEL 6 systems will no longer be in compliance with campus policy.
To obtain an exception:
Use this form to submit an exception request: Information Security Policy Exception Request Form. Exceptions are allowed only if there is a valid reason the system cannot be upgraded.
Receiving a security exception will also require purchasing an extended support contract from Red Hat. Under this contract, Red Hat delivers certain qualified Critical and Important security fixes and selected (at Red Hat discretion) urgent priority bug fixes and troubleshooting for the last minor release. More information is located at: https://access.redhat.com/support/policy/updates/errata/#Extended_Life_Cycle_Support.
For systems hosting UC P4 data, systems administrators must include mitigating controls in the exception request form in addition to the above.
Please submit your security exception request as soon as possible.
Important Dates:
- Nov. 30, 2020 - ISO will send tickets for all systems running RHEL 6 connected to the campus network (and without an exception on file) requesting the devices be upgraded or removed from the network.