Boost MongoDB Security and Keep Hackers Away With These 10 Powerful Tips

Multiple businesses worldwide use MongoDB Security for data storage projects. Though this database has some security configurations by default, it is highly possible to misconfigure it, causing critical flaws. The database allows users to implement changes without authentication. As a user, you generally enable all the security features offered in the system. However, one wrong move can result in a database security apocalypse if you are not careful.

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To boost security and avert flaws, IT managers and experienced database administrators suggest the following ten powerful tips to safeguard your MongoDB database to keep it safe.

1. Protect from public access – MongoDB Security

Enable the authentication feature to protect your MongoDB from public access. You need to edit the database’s configuration file to enable this feature. Once it is enabled, you need to add your username and password. Note that with authentication enabled, the database can verify the user’s identity. Hackers generally target MongoDB systems with no authentication. The password-enabled system will keep them at bay.

2. The password must be strong and hard to crack

After you have enabled the authentication feature on your MongoDB database, there is no guarantee it will be 100% free from cyber-attacks. Note that hackers have evolved and become smarter. You need to go a step further by creating a strong password for the database authentication process that is hard for them to crack. Unfortunately, MongoDB lacks an auto-lock tool that stops multiple failed or invalid attempts for authentication, so use a good password generator to get a robust, strong password to prevent hackers from gaining access to the database.

3. Limit External Access

It is prudent to limit external access to the MongoDB database. Attempt to host any application in the VPC environment. In case you are new to VPC environments, consult reliable experts in database management from esteemed companies like RemoteDBA to get an accurate insight into the setup of AWS VPC. They will give you proper guidelines and assist you in the process. Again, on the other hand, if you do not want to limit external access, secure the database with an IP address. To set this up, you need to visit the MongoDB configuration file and enter your IP address. In case you want to use multiple IP addresses, separate them with a comma.

4. Deploy security groups and firewalls

Block unwanted entries with firewalls. They limit access to the MongoDB database. List IP addresses to protect the server from hackers. If you use AWS, limit the number of ports on the database with security groups. It acts as a firewall to protect the MongoDB database. Hackers will not get access to the server.

5. Run the MongoDB with a different port

Most hackers search for standard MongoDB ports, which means you should change your default port to scan the database. However, specialists in IT and database administration state that it might not be 100% protection from hackers; however, you can reduce the risk of it. For instance, the 27017 port is used for MongoDB servers, so change the configuration to use a different port.

6. Access control based on roles

The MongoDB permits role-based access control. This means that a user with single or multiple roles has permission to access the operations and the resources of the database. The MongoDB does not give you access control by default; you need to enable this feature. This can be done by allowing the database to authenticate by providing the administrative role to one user. If you give them access to many users, the risk of hackers breaking into your system increases. Therefore, opting for the role-based rights to database access ensures the database is protected from hackers all the time.

7. Adding critical files for the replica set

When you specify the key file, you can enable communication on MongoDB regarding the replica set. When you allow this key file for the replica set, you can enable authentication in the database implicitly. You should also host the file that can join this replica set. Once this crucial file has been enabled, it encrypts the authentication process of this replica set, safeguarding the database from hackers.

8. Turn off the status page on MongoDB

You get an HTTP status page for the database running on port 28017. Experienced DBAs do not recommend this interface for production, so you should disable it with “nohttpinterface” in the database’s configuration settings.

9. Enable MongoDB encryption

Here, you need to pay attention to:

• Encrypting the data when in transport
• Encrypting the data when in rest

In the first case, SSL and TLS can be used to transfer data between the application and the database. They are the most popular protocols for protecting data. MongoDB supports both TLS and SSL to encrypt complete network traffic. This ensures the network traffic can only be read by the intended users. If you do not enable encryption between the MongoDB server and the client, it will be vulnerable to cyber threats by hackers.

In the second case, MongoDB Security 3.2 Enterprise provides encryption for storage at the file levels. All database files are encrypted with TDE or Transparent Data Encryption at the storage levels. To access this data, third-party users should give the decryption key to decode the data. This boosts the database’s security from cyber hackers.

10. Regular Audit and Backup

Ensure you schedule backups for the MongoDB Security at regular intervals. Having backup data will eradicate tensions if a hacker erases all the information from database collections. Make sure you have the latest backup ready. Likewise, conduct regular audits for your database. With them, you can identify security flaws and take preventive measures faster.

Therefore, when it comes to the use of MongoDB Security for your organization, ensure you keep the above ten security tips in mind to safeguard your database 24/7 and keep hackers or other cyber attackers at bay.