Configuring Authentication in MongoDB

1. Introduction

Configuring authentication in MongoDB is essential for securing your database. Authentication ensures that only authorized users can access your data, helping to protect sensitive information.

2. Key Concepts

3. Step-by-Step Configuration

3.1 Enabling Authentication

mongod --auth --dbpath /path/to/db

3.2 Creating an Admin User

use admin
db.createUser({
  user: "admin",
  pwd: "password123",
  roles: [{ role: "root", db: "admin" }]
})

3.3 Creating Application Users

use myDatabase
db.createUser({
  user: "appUser",
  pwd: "appPassword",
  roles: [{ role: "readWrite", db: "myDatabase" }]
})

3.4 Testing Authentication

To test authentication, restart your MongoDB instance with authentication enabled and try to connect with the admin user:

mongo -u "admin" -p "password123" --authenticationDatabase "admin"

4. Best Practices

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Limit user privileges to only what is necessary.
• Regularly review user roles and access.
• Enable TLS/SSL for secure connections.
• Monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts.

5. FAQ