Why is this so urgent?

• CentOS 7 EOL: As of June 30, 2024, CentOS 7 no longer receives security patches, bug fixes, or updates from Red Hat or the CentOS project. This means any new vulnerabilities will not be fixed, putting your server at risk of cyberattacks and compliance issues.

• cPanel 110: This is the last cPanel version that works with CentOS 7. No further updates or security patches will be released for this combination, so your hosting environment will become more unstable and insecure over time.

“Organssations that use the product will have to migrate to a new solution to continue receiving updates and security patches. If you remain on CentOS Linux, you’re at risk of exposing your organisation to unpatched vulnerabilities and potential security breaches.”

What is CentOS 7 and where did It come from?

CentOS (Community ENTerprise Operating System) is a free, open-source Linux distribution designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS 7, released in 2014, became popular for its stability and long-term support, making it a favourite for web hosting in South Africa and globally.

What is cPanel 110?

cPanel is a user-friendly web hosting control panel. Version 110 is the last to support CentOS 7, offering tools for managing emails, websites, and databases.

Why are CentOS 7 and cPanel 110 being phased out?

• End of Security and Support: CentOS 7 and cPanel 110 are no longer supported, meaning no more security updates or bug fixes.

• Compliance Risks: Outdated software may fail to meet regulations like POPIA in South Africa.

• Compatibility Issues: New software and applications may not work on these old systems.

What does this mean for you?

• Increased Security Risks: Your server is vulnerable to new threats and malware.

• Potential Service Interruptions: Old systems can break or become incompatible with new technologies.

• Added Costs: Staying on CentOS 7 may require expensive extended support licenses.

The Modern, Secure Replacement: AlmaLinux 8

AlmaLinux 8 is a free, open-source Linux distribution built to replace CentOS. It’s fully compatible with RHEL 8, offers ongoing security updates, and is backed by a strong community. Upgrading keeps your server secure, stable, and ready for the future.

What happens next if you’re hosted with Afrihost?

We’re making this transition as smooth as possible for you. Here’s how it works:

• Personalised Communication: You’ll receive an email for each server you have with us, containing a link to a form where you can select your preferred upgrade option.

• Batch Upgrades: To ensure quality support, upgrades are scheduled in batches of 25 clients at a time, each with its own deadline.

Your Upgrade Options

Option	Description	Cost
1. Afrihost Handles the Upgrade	We migrate your server to AlmaLinux 8 for you, ensuring a seamless transition with minimal downtime.	R1,500 per server (once-off)
2. Extended Lifecycle Support (ELS)	If you don’t upgrade by the deadline, you’ll need an ELS license from cPanel to keep receiving updates and patches.	R500 per server per month
3. Self-Upgrade	You can upgrade your server yourself using the cPanel ELevate tool. Complete the upgrade before the deadline to avoid ELS charges.	Free (DIY)

Conclusion: Secure your future with AlmaLinux 8

Upgrading to AlmaLinux 8 isn’t just a recommendation, it’s essential for your server’s security, compliance, and performance.

We are here to guide you every step of the way, making the process simple and stress-free.

If you have any questions, email us at hosting@afrihost.com and our team will advise further.

Keep your servers sharp and your ideas sharper. Until next time, this is your favourite techie, signing off with the tech you can trust. Stay ahead, stay secure with pure internet joy.