Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS was officially released on April, 23rd.
Ubuntu Pro images are already available for previous Ubuntu LTS versions back to 14.04 LTS and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Pro images will be made available shortly after release. It is based on standard Ubuntu Server cloud images but provides access to additional features, such as security certifications and hardening and the Kernel Livepatch service. Ubuntu Pro is a premium image designed by Canonical to provide the most comprehensive feature set for production environments running in public clouds. The latest version of the Ubuntu installer allows writing the bootloader to multiple disks, ensuring the resiliency of Ubuntu Server at the bootloader level. This was resulting in the bootloader being a single point of failure in systems with multiple disks attached. Previous versions of the Ubuntu installer allowed writing the bootloader to a single disk only. WireGuard is included in 20.04 LTS and will be backported to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS to support widespread enterprise adoption. By running as a module in the kernel space, it provides performance advantages and a high level of security. WireGuard® is an innovative VPN technology with modern cryptography defaults and streamlined usability. This will prove that the session is being established from the computer on which the keys were generated. On systems with two-factor authentication enabled, users will have to use either a physical device or authenticator app when establishing an SSH session.
Starting with Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS, SSH will support hardware-based two-factor authentication which minimises the impact of secrets leakage and improves the security level provided by SSH. This can pose a security risk in case of the leakage of secrets or if the system was compromised.
Historically, SSH used to use single-factor authentication and the actual authentication mechanism was based on passwords or keys.
If they choose to update, the installer will update itself and the installation session will be resumed once the update is finished. Users will have an option to either update the installer or skip the update. After booting on a computer with access to the Internet, the installer will check and notify users if there is a newer version available. This will provide users with immediate access to new features, bug fixes and security patches available in the installer without the need to wait for the official point releases and using newer versions of the installer. Ubuntu Server Live Installer will now provide an option to automatically update itself every time it boots. Ubuntu Server Live Installer – automatic updates This results in a super stable platform for both infrastructure and applications deployment that is optimised for enterprise needs. However, the ESM service extends security updates for an additional five years. Being an LTS release, Ubuntu Server 20.04 comes with five years of support by default. This comes from up to ten years of security provided under the UA-I subscription. One of the biggest advantages of Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS is the stability that it brings.