Enabling Authorization

Introduction

Imagine setting up your MongoDB database for a new application. Everything works smoothly — inserts, queries, updates.

But then you realize something alarming:

Anyone who knows your server’s IP can access your entire database without a password.

By default, MongoDB starts without authentication or authorization enabled. It assumes a trusted environment — which is risky in today’s cloud-first world.

That’s why authorization becomes your first line of defense in MongoDB security.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Enable authorization in MongoDB configuration

Create secure admin users

Assign appropriate roles

Restrict read/write/manage permissions

Think of it like assigning keys in a secure building — not everyone should have access to the vault.

By enabling authorization, you transform your MongoDB instance from an open house into a secure, access-controlled system.

Step 1: Enable Authorization

By default, MongoDB allows open access. To secure your instance, you must explicitly enable authorization.

Update MongoDB Configuration

Edit your configuration file:

# /etc/mongod.conf security:  authorization: enabled

Restart MongoDB

sudo systemctl restart mongod

Once restarted, MongoDB will require authentication for all operations.

Step 2: Create an Admin User

After enabling authorization, create a secure administrator account.

use admin db.createUser({  user: "admin",  pwd: "StrongPassword123!",  roles: [ { role: "userAdminAnyDatabase", db: "admin" } ] })

What This Does

Creates a user named admin

Assigns a strong password

Grants userAdminAnyDatabase role

Allows managing users across databases

Important: Always use a strong, unique password in production environments.

Real-World Use Cases

Below are examples of how enabling authorization protects organizations across industries.

1. E-Commerce Company – Protecting Customer Data

An online store storing millions of customer records including names, emails, and purchase history.

Before:

Developers accessed the database directly

High risk of accidental deletion or unauthorized access

After:

Created role-based access:

readOnly → Analysts

readWrite → Developers

dbAdmin → DevOps

Outcome:

Prevented accidental data loss

Blocked unauthorized access

Improved internal data governance

2. FinTech Startup – Managing Transactions

A digital wallet app storing transaction data and balances.

Risk:
Anyone with network access could query financial data.

Solution:

Enabled authorization

Implemented Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Used strong admin credentials

Outcome:

Restricted access to financial collections

Achieved compliance with standards like PCI DSS

3. Healthcare Organization – Protecting Patient Records

A hospital storing sensitive patient data.

Requirement:
Comply with HIPAA regulations.

Implementation:

Enabled authorization

Assigned role-based access

Doctors could access only their patients’ records

Outcome:

Protected patient privacy

Prevented cross-department data leaks

4. Education Platform – Multi-Level Access

An EdTech platform storing student progress and grades.

Role Structure:

Teachers → Read/Write access

Students → Read-only access

Admins → Full database control

Outcome:

Prevented data tampering

Maintained transparency

5. SaaS Analytics Dashboard – Multi-Tenant Security

A B2B SaaS platform hosting multiple clients on shared MongoDB infrastructure.

Challenge:
Prevent one client from accessing another’s data.

Solution:

Enabled authorization

Separated users by role and database

Outcome:

Strong data isolation

Increased customer trust

6. IoT Device Management System

A smart home startup collecting IoT device data.

Initial Risk:
Devices pushed data without authentication.

Improvement:

Enabled authorization

Assigned each device:

Unique key

Limited insert-only privileges

Outcome:

Prevented malicious data injection

Reduced attack surface

Key Takeaways

MongoDB does not enable authorization by default

Open databases are a major security risk

Enabling authorization protects against:

Unauthorized access

Accidental deletions

Insider threats

Compliance violations

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) ensures:

Users only access what they need

The principle of least privilege is enforced

Final Thought

Security is not optional.

Enabling authorization is the first and most critical step in securing your MongoDB deployment.

Without it, your database remains exposed.
With it, you establish a foundation of trust, control, and compliance.