While Ubuntu Core is aimed at offering a secure Linux experience for IoT with security and privacy features such as full disk encryption, secure boot and secure device recovery. Ubuntu Core 20 follows after Ubuntu Core 18 which was released in 2019, with Canonical already preparing for the next regular Ubuntu release v21.04 “Hirsute Hippo” scheduled for release on April 22, 2021.
The regular Ubuntu release uses the traditional Debian package system, but Ubuntu Core relies entirely on the universal package management system called snap, developed in-house by Canonical.
What's New in Ubuntu Core 20?
Ubuntu Core 20 brings several new security updates and features for better security, with all snaps on Ubuntu Core devices strictly confined and isolated to any compromised application getting the whole sytem infected.
Among the new security features is the secure boot by default with hardware-backed full disk encryption which ensures privacy and guarantee confidentiality from attackers. Other security enhancements in Ubuntu Core 20, includes:
- Recovery and reinstall mode
- Recovery mode chooser
- Full-disk encryption via TPM integration
Additionally, there is support for Cloud-init and Initial MAAS, with ten years of support for Raspberry Pi (both ARMv7 and ARM v8).
How to Get Started with Ubuntu Core 20
Ubuntu Core 20 is currently available for download for x86_64 and ARM hardware, with the ISO images and if you wish to learn about Ubuntu Core, you can check out the official documentation.
Kindly note that the model definition has been expanded for UC20 devices to include several new options, notably grade and snaps.
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