Defensia Database Security

Defensia Database Security is a Linux agent and web dashboard for spotting exposed database ports and suspicious authentication failures. It best suits operators protecting self-hosted database servers who want monitoring with the option to block repeat offenders. Its strongest case is focused database visibility; the free plan’s one-server cap and monitor-only mode make it a limited starting point.

Overview

Defensia checks for exposure and failed logins rather than scanning database vulnerabilities. At startup, its agent checks ports 3306, 5432, 27017, and 6379, flagging a port bound to 0.0.0.0 with a dashboard advisory. It monitors authentication logs for MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB; Redis gets port checks, not login monitoring. This distinction matters if Redis authentication activity is central to your security requirements.

The dashboard brings attack timelines, blocked IPs, and port-exposure advisories together. Repeated authentication failures can trigger IP blocking through iptables or nftables, making the product more than a passive alert feed on a plan that includes blocking.

Key features

Monitoring and response

The agent installs as a systemd service and automatically detects MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB log files. That can simplify setup on supported Linux servers, but installation requires Linux kernel 4.x or newer and root or sudo access. It also needs HTTPS internet access to the Defensia panel, so it is not a fit for systems that cannot reach that service.

Docker, Docker Swarm, and Kubernetes deployments are supported, including a Kubernetes Helm chart. The hybrid model pairs a local agent with a web panel; agentless scanning is not supported.

Events, integrations, and privacy

Pro adds Slack, Discord, and webhook alerts, useful for teams that route security events into existing notification channels. Free users get community support; Pro users get priority email support. The privacy policy says account passwords are cryptographically hashed and connected-server data includes hostnames, IP addresses, operating-system information, and security events. Defensia says it is committed to handling personal information in line with GDPR and other applicable data-protection laws.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing, billed free forever, with no credit card required. It covers one server, 2,000 events per month, and three days of log retention. It detects attacks in monitor mode only, so it cannot block them; that makes it appropriate for a small trial deployment, not for teams that need automated response or longer history.

Pro costs €9 a month, billed monthly, and offers unlimited servers and events, 90 days of log retention, IP blocking, Pro integrations, and priority email support. The 14-day trial is limited to up to three servers. Switching to annual billing saves 20%; no annual price is given. Pro suits operators managing multiple servers or needing longer retention and blocking, while Free gives up those capabilities and has a much tighter event allowance.

Platforms

Defensia supports Linux, self-hosted deployment, and web access to the dashboard. Its Linux and elevated-access requirements narrow its audience to people who administer eligible servers.

Who it's for

Choose Defensia if you manage Linux-hosted MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB and want authentication-failure monitoring alongside exposure checks, with a paid route to IP blocking. Look elsewhere if you need agentless assessment, Redis login monitoring, or a tool that runs without root or sudo access.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Combines login-failure monitoring for three database families with port checks that also cover Redis.
• Pros: Pro can block repeat offenders through iptables or nftables, and supports Slack, Discord, and webhook alerts.
• Cons: Free is limited to one server, 2,000 events monthly, three days of retention, and monitoring without blocking.
• Cons: Linux kernel 4.x or newer, root or sudo access, and HTTPS access to the panel are required; Redis authentication logs are not covered.

Alternatives

DBX is worth considering for web-based schema introspection, database topology, and scoring, with a free plan offering unlimited introspection and local analysis.

Omega DB Scanner Standalone is the more targeted option for Windows users scanning Oracle databases, including versions 10g through 12c.

Onam Database Security may fit teams seeking cloud security posture management, with a free tier covering one cloud account and up to 500 resources.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Secret Management is the relevant alternative when the need is secret management, with a free plan for OCI secrets.

SQLTriage, Free SQL Server Compliance Benchmark Tool, PGDSAT, and Unity are also alternatives.

For a broader category comparison, see Database Vulnerability Scanners.

Verdict

Defensia is a sensible fit for Linux server operators who want database login monitoring, exposure warnings, and an upgrade path to automated blocking. Its narrow database scope and Linux access requirements are clear trade-offs, while the free plan is best treated as a small monitor-only deployment rather than a full protection setup.