KernelCare VDS Setup 2026 | SistemDC

KernelCare is a CloudLinux product that applies Linux kernel security patches live, without requiring a reboot.

What Is KernelCare and What Does It Do?

The KernelCare agent injects new CVE patches into the running kernel as hot patches. It reduces planned reboot windows on uptime-critical database, mail and hosting servers.

Benefits

Zero-downtime kernel security, automatic patching, a KernelCare + Imunify360 bundle discount, compatibility with RHEL/Debian/Ubuntu.

Who Should Choose It?

Hosting that requires 24/7 uptime, e-commerce DB servers and compliance (PCI-DSS) environments.

How Is It Installed?

1. Prepare a supported Linux VDS (AlmaLinux, Ubuntu, Debian).
2. Get the KernelCare license key from the CloudLinux portal.
3. Install the agent with curl -s https://kernelcare.com/installer | bash.
4. kcarectl --register to register the license.
5. Verify with kcarectl --check and kcarectl --patch-info.

Where It Can and Cannot Be Installed

RHEL derivatives, Ubuntu LTS, Debian. Native in CloudLinux/cPanel environments.

SistemDC Ordering Steps

SistemDC VDS + a KernelCare license (CloudLinux store or SistemDC add-on).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does KernelCare remove reboots completely?
No; a major kernel upgrade may still require a reboot.

How do I check the kcarectl status?
The output of kcarectl --check should return 'OK'.

Is Ubuntu 24.04 supported?
Yes; LTS releases are listed in the KernelCare support matrix.