AWS EKS End of Support: What You Need to Know

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) has revolutionized container orchestration by simplifying the deployment, management, and scaling of Kubernetes applications. However, like any cloud service, it has a lifecycle, with versions being deprecated and support for older versions eventually ending. It’s crucial for organizations using AWS EKS to stay informed about end-of-support (EoS) dates to ensure security, functionality, and performance are maintained.

In this blog, we’ll explore what “end of support” for AWS EKS means, why it matters, and how you can prepare for it.

What Does “End of Support” for AWS EKS Mean?

End of support (EoS) in the context of AWS EKS refers to the point at which AWS no longer provides updates, patches, or security fixes for a specific version of Kubernetes running on EKS. This means that any vulnerabilities discovered after the end of support will not be addressed, potentially leaving your workloads exposed to security risks.

Each Kubernetes version typically receives patch updates and support for about 12–14 months after its initial release. Once a version reaches its EoS, AWS recommends upgrading to a newer version to maintain the security and stability of your Kubernetes clusters.

Why Is It Important to Stay Updated?

There are several reasons why upgrading before the EoS date is critical:

• Security: One of the biggest concerns is security. Without timely updates, your EKS clusters might become vulnerable to exploits and cyberattacks. The lack of security patches makes older Kubernetes versions a prime target for malicious activities.
• Compliance: Many industries require companies to maintain up-to-date systems as part of regulatory compliance. Running an unsupported Kubernetes version could result in non-compliance with industry standards, leading to legal or financial repercussions.
• New Features: Each new Kubernetes version introduces features that improve the performance, functionality, and usability of clusters. Staying on an outdated version means missing out on these innovations, potentially hindering the efficiency and scalability of your applications.
• Bug Fixes: Software bugs can affect the stability and reliability of your infrastructure. Kubernetes and EKS updates include fixes for these bugs, ensuring your environment remains stable.
• AWS Support: Once a version reaches end of support, AWS might no longer assist with issues related to that version. If a problem arises, your organization could be left without assistance, forcing your team to manage any challenges on their own.

AWS EKS Version Lifecycle

AWS EKS supports three to four versions of Kubernetes at a time, with new versions being released regularly. Older versions are deprecated as newer ones become available. AWS typically announces the end-of-support date for each Kubernetes version about 60 days in advance, giving customers time to plan and execute an upgrade.

How to Prepare for AWS EKS End of Support

To avoid disruptions when your current EKS version reaches end-of-support, it’s important to plan your upgrade process in advance. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Monitor Kubernetes Version Releases

AWS provides detailed information about the lifecycle of Kubernetes versions on EKS. Stay updated by checking the AWS EKS documentation and announcements for information about the latest supported versions and any upcoming deprecations.

2. Set Up Regular Cluster Upgrades

Make it a part of your operational best practices to upgrade your Kubernetes clusters regularly. AWS offers a managed upgrade feature for EKS that makes the process easier and minimizes downtime. Consider setting up a regular schedule for checking and performing these upgrades.

3. Test Upgrades in Non-Production Environments

Before upgrading your production clusters, it’s wise to test the process in a non-production environment. This allows your team to identify potential issues, validate the stability of the upgrade, and ensure all applications are compatible with the new version of Kubernetes.

4. Update Tooling and Add-Ons

When upgrading your EKS version, don’t forget to update any associated tooling, such as CI/CD pipelines, monitoring tools, and Kubernetes add-ons (e.g., CoreDNS, kube-proxy, etc.). These tools often rely on specific Kubernetes API versions, and ensuring compatibility is crucial to avoid disruptions.

5. Backup Your Clusters

Before performing any upgrade, create a backup of your cluster’s state and data. Services like Velero can be used to back up and restore your Kubernetes cluster, providing a safety net in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process.

6. Leverage AWS Support

If your organization has an active AWS support plan, leverage it for assistance with the upgrade process. AWS provides best practices, guidance, and help with troubleshooting any issues that arise during the transition to a new Kubernetes version.

Conclusion

Staying on top of the Kubernetes version lifecycle is essential for ensuring the security, performance, and compliance of your AWS EKS clusters. With AWS regularly deprecating older versions and announcing aws eks end of support dates, it’s critical to upgrade your Kubernetes version before it reaches its EoS. By planning and testing upgrades, monitoring AWS announcements, and leveraging managed services like EKS for automated upgrades, you can keep your infrastructure secure and up-to-date.

Need Help Managing Your AWS EKS Environment? At Cloudastra Technologies, we specialize in providing cloud infrastructure management, including AWS EKS upgrades and support. Reach out to us to ensure your Kubernetes environments stay secure, efficient, and compliant.