Overview
MongoDB is the leading NoSQL document database. However, out-of-the-box, older or unconfigured MongoDB instances often lack strict access controls and memory limits. A production-ready mongod.conf is required to lock down access, configure the WiredTiger storage engine, and enable high-availability replica sets.
Access Control
Enforce role-based access control (RBAC) and configure TLS certificates for encrypted connections.
WiredTiger Cache
Properly limit the internal memory cache to prevent MongoDB from starving the OS file system cache.
High Availability
Configure Replica Sets and internal keyFile authentication for seamless failover.
Production Checklist
- Create an Admin User: Before enabling authorization, you must create a user with the
userAdminAnyDatabaserole via the mongo shell. - KeyFile Permissions: The keyFile used for replica sets must have
chmod 400permissions and be owned by the mongodb user. MongoDB will refuse to start if permissions are too open. - Journaling: Ensure
journal.enabled = true. This is critical for data durability in the event of an unexpected shutdown. - Backups: Use
mongodumpfor small databases, or file-system snapshots / MongoDB Cloud Manager for large production datasets.