Kerio Control Offline License File Info
If your primary internet line fails and you are operating on a 4G backup with strict data caps, you might not want the firewall consuming data for license checks. You can switch to an offline license temporarily.
The Kerio Control Offline License File is a well-engineered solution for a niche but critical requirement. It prioritizes deterministic control over convenience. However, it shifts administrative overhead from network automation to manual file hygiene. For air-gapped networks, mastering the .req → portal → .lic workflow is not optional—it is the price of secure isolation.
Before committing to offline mode, audit your internal change control process. Every disk swap or motherboard replacement will demand a fresh license file. When managed proactively, the offline mechanism is reliable; when ignored, it becomes an invisible expiration grenade. Kerio Control Offline License File
| Feature | Online Licensing | Offline License File | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Internet Required | Yes (continuous) | No (only for manual generation) | | Automation | Fully automatic renewal | Manual upload via admin UI | | Security | Standard | High (Air-gap compatible) | | Best for | Branch offices, SMBs | Military, Gov, SCADA, Remote HQ |
The offline file is essentially a "ticket" that proves you have paid for a specific number of users, a specific time frame (e.g., 1 year), and specific features (like VPN or Antivirus). If your primary internet line fails and you
Offline licensing eliminates network timeouts, but introduces new failure vectors.
| Failure Symptom | Root Cause | Fix |
|----------------|------------|-----|
| “Invalid Hardware ID” | You changed a disk, NIC, or motherboard. Offline licenses are hardware-locked. | Re-run the .req export and generate a new .lic file. You may need to request a license re-host from support. |
| “License File Corrupted” | The .lic was opened/modified in a text editor (even viewing can break line endings). | Regenerate the file. Never edit a .lic manually. |
| “Time Mismatch” | The firewall’s system clock differs from GFI’s signing server by >5 minutes (common in NTP-less air gaps). | Manually set the correct date/time via CLI or local console before applying license. |
| “License Revoked” | GFI voided the license (e.g., chargeback). Since no online check occurs, the firewall continues working until reboot or manual check. | You must manually re-apply a new .lic. Offline systems do not auto-revoke. | Offline licensing eliminates network timeouts
Sometimes, an organization has internet access, but the proxy settings are so restrictive (e.g., requiring NTLM authentication or specific root CA certificates) that Kerio Control cannot perform its automated handshake. Manually importing an offline license bypasses the proxy drama.