Ubuntu operating system developer Canonical Ltd. today announced that Ubuntu Core 20, its containerized OS for “internet of things” devices and embedded systems, is now generally available.

The company said Ubuntu Core 20 is a “major release” that brings it in line with the Ubuntu 20.04 release that debuted in 2020. The main updates are centered on securing IoT and edge devices, with some of the main new features being secure boot, full disk encryption and secure device recovery.

Canonical says security is a big concern for IoT and edge devices, because their distance from businesses, the lack of physical security and the large attack surface they present means they face a much higher risk of being hacked. But edge computing is nonetheless becoming a key capability for businesses, which explains the security focus of this latest release.

“As apps move to the edge, the value of data in remote locations increases,” Ubuntu Core project manager Galem Kayo said. “Ubuntu Core 20 adds secure boot with hardware-backed full disk encryption to guarantee confidentiality from physical attackers.”

Ubuntu Core was already built with security in mind, and thanks to its containerized nature it presents a much smaller attack surface, with no unused software installed in the base OS. That in turn reduces the size and frequency of security updates.

Applications in Ubuntu Core are built as “snaps,” which are containerized, sandboxed apps designed especially for IoT devices. Each app is strictly confined and isolated, so even if it does become compromised, the snap design limits the damage it can cause. The addition of secure boot prevents unauthorized software installation. Full disk encryption, meanwhile, eases compliance with privacy requirements for sensitive consumer, industrial, healthcare or smart city applications.

“Every connected device needs guaranteed platform security and an app store,” said Canonical Chief Executive Mark Shuttleworth. “Ubuntu Core 20 enables innovators to create highly secure things and focus entirely on their own unique features and apps, with confinement and security updates built into the operating system.”

Constellation Research Inc. analyst Holger Mueller said that digitization is happening everywhere, especially at the network edge, and that stable and secure operating platforms are a requirement of this.

“This is what Ubuntu Core 20 is targeting, with Canonical giving enterprises more choice on how to run their next-generation applications at the edge,” Mueller said. “As with all new platform releases, it’s always good practice to exercise some caution to make sure any potential kinks are ironed out.”

Canonical said Ubuntu Core 20 is available now on both x86 and Arm-based devices.

Image: Ubuntu