How to Install/Uninstall the KernelCare in WHM/cPanel Server

Introduction:

KernelCare is a service that provides important updates for your running kernel and there is no need to reboot the server after KernelCare installation.

KernelCare is compatible with 64bit versions of CentOS 5.x, CentOS 6.x, CentOS 7.x, RHEL 5.x, RHEL 6.x, RHEL 7.x, CloudLinux OS 5.x, CloudLinux OS 6.x, CloudLinux OS 7.x, Debian 6.x, Debian 7.x, Xen4CentOS 6, Xen4CentOS 7, Proxmox 3.x, Proxmox 4.x, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and Virtuozzo/OpenVZ 2.6.32.

A full list of compatible kernels can be found here: http://patches.kernelcare.com/.

Note: The installation of KernelCare is free while using Imunify360; however, it is not free when using ImunifyAV+.

KernelCare Features

1. Automatic kernel upgrades without server reboot: The kernel updates itself without requiring a server reboot or halting service. As soon as the patch is ready, the latest kernel versions are automatically updated.
2. Latest security updates: KernelCare checks the availability of new patches every 4 hours so there is no need of updating the kernel manually on the server.
3. Less time: Installing KernelCare takes just a little less time and doesn't require restarting the server.
4. Effect on server performance: The server receives automatic kernel upgrades without degrading server performance.
5. The ability to undo changes: You can always undo changes if you need to.
6. Ability to work in different environments: Works on typical servers as well as virtual environments.

Installation KernelCare:

1. Check for compatible kernels:

Make sure your server has a compatible kernel before you buy and install KernelCare. Read the KernelCare documentation to accomplish this.

2. Run one of the following commands to initiate the KernelCare installation process:

# curl -s https://repo.cloudlinux.com/kernelcare/kernelcare_install.sh | bash

Or

# wget -qq -O - https://repo.cloudlinux.com/kernelcare/kernelcare_install.sh | bash

3. Register the license key:

You need to deploy and register to your server by using the KernelCare licensing key. Run the following command to register your key:

# /usr/bin/kcarectl --register $kc_key

Note: If you bought a KernelCare license from the cPanel Store, you can skip this step. You don't need to register to use KernelCare licenses, which use IP-based licensing.

4. Check for patch installations.

• Run the following command to check for patches that have been applied:

/usr/bin/kcarectl --info

Note: KernelCare will attempt to run an update for new patches every 4 hours.

• Run the following command to disable auto updates:

# vi /etc/sysconfig/kcare/kcare.conf

Set AUTO_UPDATE=False

5. Check manually for patch updates.

Run the following command to manually check for new patches:

/usr/bin/kcarectl --update

6. Run the following command to find out which kernel patches were applied to your server:

/usr/bin/kcarectl --patch-info

That's it the installation of KernelCare is completed!

Uninstall KernelCare:

Follow the simple SSH command from the root shell to uninstall the KernelCare:

# yum remove kernelcare