Problem Statement
What security measures should you implement for a production MongoDB deployment?
Explanation
Securing a production MongoDB deployment requires multiple layers of protection covering authentication, authorization, network security, encryption, and auditing. Following security best practices is essential to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
First, enable authentication and require all clients to authenticate before accessing the database. MongoDB supports various authentication mechanisms including SCRAM-SHA-256, LDAP, Kerberos, and x.509 certificates. Never run MongoDB without authentication in production. Create users with strong passwords and rotate credentials regularly.
Second, implement role-based access control with the principle of least privilege. Create custom roles that grant only the minimum permissions needed for each user or application. MongoDB provides built-in roles like read, readWrite, dbAdmin, and userAdmin, but custom roles offer fine-grained control. Regularly audit user permissions and remove unnecessary access.
Third, secure network access using firewalls, VPNs, or private networks. Bind MongoDB to specific network interfaces rather than all interfaces, and use IP whitelisting to restrict which hosts can connect. Never expose MongoDB directly to the internet without proper network security.
Fourth, enable encryption both at rest and in transit. Use TLS/SSL for client connections and inter-node communication in replica sets and sharded clusters. Enable encryption at rest to protect data files from unauthorized access if physical media is compromised. MongoDB Enterprise edition provides native encryption at rest.
Fifth, enable auditing to track database access and changes. Audit logs help detect suspicious activity, comply with regulations, and investigate security incidents. MongoDB Enterprise edition provides comprehensive auditing features.
Sixth, keep MongoDB and drivers updated with the latest security patches. Follow MongoDB security advisories and apply patches promptly. Seventh, implement backup encryption and secure backup storage. Finally, use security scanning tools to detect vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.