FAQ
What is CIQ Bridge?
CIQ Bridge is an extended-life CVE remediation offering for CentOS 7.9. It replaces the retired CentOS repositories with a CIQ-maintained repository that continues to deliver security fixes for the CentOS 7.9 packages it covers, after CentOS 7 reached end of life in 2024. See the overview.
What exactly does CIQ Bridge cover?
CIQ Bridge is a security-remediation offering, not a general support or feature-maintenance program for CentOS 7. It delivers fixes for Critical and Important/High severity CVEs across a curated set of priority packages. It does not add features, maintain packages beyond CVE remediation, or provide general OS support.
Which CentOS version does it apply to?
CentOS 7.9 on the x86_64 architecture.
Does CIQ Bridge support aarch64 (Arm)?
No. CIQ Bridge supports x86_64 only.
How is CIQ Bridge delivered?
As a package repository through CIQ Depot. You enable it on each host with the Depot Client (sudo depot enable bridge), after which yum pulls CIQ-published updates. Pre-built cloud images are also available on the Azure Marketplace and Google Cloud Marketplace. See Getting started.
Does it patch every CentOS 7 package?
No. CIQ Bridge remediates a curated set of priority packages, prioritizing Critical and Important/High severity CVEs. Contact CIQ Support for the coverage list that applies to your deployment.
How long is CIQ Bridge supported?
CIQ Bridge provides CVE remediation for CentOS 7 for a limited period following its 2024 end of life. Contact CIQ Sales or CIQ Support to confirm the current support window for your deployment.
Is CIQ Bridge a permanent replacement for CentOS 7?
No. CIQ Bridge is intended to keep CentOS 7 systems secure while you plan a migration to a currently supported operating system. The recommended destination is Rocky Linux from CIQ.
How do I migrate off CentOS 7 when I am ready?
Moving off CentOS 7 is a major-version migration to a currently supported operating system such as Rocky Linux from CIQ, not an in-place update. CIQ Bridge keeps your CentOS 7 systems secure in the meantime. For help planning and executing that migration, contact CIQ Support.
Where do I get help?
For entitlement and access questions, contact CIQ Sales. For technical issues with the repository, updates, or errata, contact CIQ Support.