Hey everyone, I'm working on achieving SOC 2 compliance for our infrastructure running on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. I found that certain security updates for packages like FFmpeg and cJSON require the 'esm-apps' feature of Ubuntu Pro to be enabled. I'm wondering if skipping these updates could create a compliance gap, given that SOC 2 focuses on strong security controls. However, SOC 2 doesn't specify which tools we must use, so I'm confused about whether Ubuntu Pro is essential or just one of many possible solutions. Has anyone dealt with this? Is Ubuntu Pro a must-have for SOC 2 compliance, or are there valid alternatives to ensure we stay compliant? I'd really appreciate any thoughts or experiences you can share!
4 Answers
You actually don't need Ubuntu Pro for updates; they will eventually come from the community. If you prefer immediate fixes, then paying for Pro is the way to go, but it shouldn't dictate compliance. SOC 2 is more about maintaining updated software and having the right controls in place, rather than insisting on official sources for everything.
Is there a specific reason for choosing Ubuntu over Debian or another distro? Sometimes it’s worth exploring alternatives that might better suit your needs.
No, I think I should definitely consider using another distro. Thanks for the advice!
Enabling Ubuntu Pro is the easiest route for handling updates, especially for enterprise needs. While you technically can patch manually, it sounds like a hassle. It's worth considering switching to Debian if you’re concerned about timely updates; they generally provide good security updates.
That makes total sense, I will try to use another image. Thanks for the input!
In my experience with SOC 2, you don't need Ubuntu Pro to stay compliant. We stick with the standard versions without Pro and manage to keep our patches in check. Just clarify what you commit to in your policies—do you promise to install every patch or to patch regularly and document it? That's what really matters in audits.
Or you can use community-maintained repos that keep up with the latest software releases. SOC 2 just requires that you actively maintain software, not that you use official channels.