Summary
When it comes to Java security, the first thing that comes to mind should be the JVM. If you’re relying on outdated, unpatched, or unsupported Java runtimes, you’re taking unnecessary risks.
In this post you will learn:
- Timely, predictable updates are critical for Java security
- Long-term security hinges on long-term support
- If your Java runtime is compromised, every application that runs on it could be compromised too
- As environments become cluttered with multiple JDK versions and unpatched workloads, organizations lose visibility into what’s deployed
When it comes to securing your Java applications, the JVM might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. Your JDK isn’t just a runtime; it’s part of your software supply chain. If you’re relying on outdated, unpatched, or unsupported Java runtimes, you’re taking unnecessary risks.
At Azul, security is baked into the way we build and maintain our JDK distributions. Here’s how we think about Java security—and what you can do to reduce risk in production.
1. Security starts with timely, predictable updates
Not all Java updates are created equal. Some vendors offer only Patch Set Updates (PSUs) — which include a mix of security fixes, bug fixes, and enhancements. While these can be valuable in development environments, they often introduce changes that require careful testing before production rollout.
Azul does it differently
We offer both security-only updates and PSUs, giving you the flexibility to choose the right approach for your environment:
- Security-only Critical Patch Updates (CPUs) are released on the industry-standard quarterly schedule—January, April, July, and October—and include critical security patches addressing known vulnerabilities. These updates are designed for stability and predictability, making them ideal for production use.
- Patch Set Updates (PSUs) are also available for customers who want additional non-critical fixes, performance improvements, and minor enhancements between major versions.
Why this matters
Azul is the only vendor outside of Oracle to deliver timely security-focused updates on the OpenJDK CPU schedule. This means you can secure your Java workloads quickly and reliably—without being forced to adopt changes that could break your application or delay deployment.
With Azul, you’re in control: apply only what you need, when you need it—whether that’s zero-risk security updates or broader enhancements through PSUs.
2. Long-term support = long-term security
The problem
Many Java applications are mission-critical—and not easily upgraded on short timelines. Whether due to regulatory requirements, custom integrations, or complex testing cycles, enterprises often rely on older Java versions far beyond their original community support window.
Without long-term support, these workloads face growing security risk and operational uncertainty.
Azul’s solution
Azul supports more Java versions than any other vendor, helping organizations secure both legacy and modern workloads under a single, consistent support model.
- We currently provide long-term support (LTS) for Java 6, 7, 8, 11, 17, and 21.
- That includes security patches, bug fixes, and compliance with the Java SE TCK (Technology Compatibility Kit) for Java versions 8 and above, to ensure Azul’s builds of OpenJDK are functionally compatible with Java SE.
This has a real-world impact: Financial institutions, healthcare platforms, and embedded systems often depend on legacy Java versions. With Azul, they stay secure without forced upgrades.
3. A secure software supply chain
The Java runtime is part of your build and deploy chain. If it’s compromised, every app that runs on it could be too.
How Azul secures the supply chain
- All Azul builds are signed and verified, ensuring integrity and traceability.
- We publish SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials in Cyclone DX format) for all builds and deliver binaries through secure, authenticated channels.
- Our LTS builds are tested against the official TCK to ensure specification compliance and avoid unexpected behaviors.
Key Takeaway
Using a verified, signed, and TCK-tested Azul JDK reduces your exposure to supply chain risks—and gives you confidence that what you deploy is exactly what you expect.
4. Beyond the JDK: proactive insights
Many organizations focus on securing their Java runtime but still lack clear visibility into what’s deployed. Over time, environments accumulate multiple JDK versions, unpatched workloads, and legacy installations that no one remembers—creating hidden risk.
- Are we running unpatched Java versions in production?
- Which apps still rely on legacy Java?
- Are we vulnerable to known issues?
Azul Intelligence Cloud addresses this by giving you a single place to track, analyse, and monitor your Java estate—without requiring any changes to your applications. Azul Intelligence Cloud is our observability and analytics platform for Java workloads.
With Azul Intelligence Cloud, you can:
- Build an inventory and track JDK versions across all systems.
- Get alerts when known vulnerabilities (CVEs) affect specific builds.
- Identify unused or obsolete Java installs so you can clean them up proactively.
Why this matters
Knowing exactly what’s deployed is critical to closing security gaps before they become incidents.
5. Enterprise migration without the headaches
Switching to Azul isn’t just about reducing licensing costs—it’s also about simplifying operations and strengthening security. Azul makes the transition straightforward by providing:
- A drop-in replacement for Oracle Java, available on all major platforms and deployment models (on-premises, cloud, containers).
- Best practices and a proven migration methodology, including advisory services to guide your teams.
- A network of certified partners who can help manage, implement, and scale your migration.
The result
You get a secure, fully supported Java environment with minimal disruption to your development and operations.
Final thoughts
Java is built for stability, but without a secure and supported JDK, you’re leaving the door open to avoidable risk. Whether you’re running modern cloud-native services or maintaining legacy systems, Azul helps you keep your Java workloads secure, up to date, and compliant—without the headaches.
Ready to secure your Java stack? Start with Azul Platform Core builds or talk to us about enterprise support and long-term security planning.
