Defensia Database Security

Defensia Database Security is a Linux agent and web dashboard for database-port exposure and failed-login monitoring. It is best suited to operators managing Linux database servers who want an option to block repeated login attacks. Its focused coverage is useful, but the free tier is limited to one server and monitor mode.

Overview

The agent checks for exposed database services and watches authentication failures that could signal brute-force activity. It covers MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB authentication logs, while Redis is covered by port checks alone. That distinction matters if you expect equivalent login monitoring across all four database types.

At startup, it checks ports 3306, 5432, 27017, and 6379. A port bound to 0.0.0.0 produces a dashboard advisory; this flags broad network binding, rather than establishing that an attack has occurred. The dashboard also shows attack timelines and blocked IPs.

Key features

Authentication monitoring: Failed-login events from MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB logs provide a focused view of possible brute-force attacks.

IP blocking: Repeated failures can trigger blocking through iptables or nftables. This is the product’s clearest step beyond alerting, but Free does not include it.

Server installation: The agent runs as a systemd service and automatically detects MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB log files. It requires Linux kernel 4.x or newer, root or sudo access, and HTTPS access to the Defensia panel.

Deployment choices: Docker, Docker Swarm, and Kubernetes are supported, with a Helm chart for Kubernetes. These options suit server and container environments, not Windows-only estates.

Alerts and guidance: Pro adds Slack, Discord, and webhook alerts. Remediation guidance is supported, though the specific guidance is not detailed.

Pricing

Free — free. Billed Free forever, with no credit card required. It allows one server, 2,000 events/month, three days of log retention, and monitor mode only. This is a reasonable way to watch a small deployment, but the event cap, short history, and lack of blocking limit its usefulness for ongoing response.

Pro — €9 a month. Billed monthly; switch to annual and save 20%. Pro includes unlimited servers and events, 90 days of log retention, blocking, Slack, Discord, webhook alerts, and priority email support. The 14-day trial covers up to three servers. This is the practical choice for multi-server monitoring or active response; the trial’s three-server limit is worth bearing in mind before moving a larger estate across.

Free includes community support. The paid tier’s longer retention and unlimited events make it better suited to teams that need a fuller incident history, not just a live monitor.

Platforms

Defensia combines a Linux-hosted agent with a web panel in a hybrid deployment. Its Linux kernel, elevated-privilege, and HTTPS requirements make it a fit for administrators able to install and manage server software. It is not an agentless scanner.

Who it's for

Choose Defensia if you run MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB on Linux and want failed-authentication monitoring alongside checks for exposed database ports. Pro is the stronger fit when you need IP blocking, several servers, or longer event history. It is less suitable if you need Redis authentication monitoring, Windows support, or a fully agentless approach.

Pros and cons

Pros: Database-specific failed-login monitoring is paired with startup exposure checks; Pro can block repeated attackers using iptables or nftables.

Pros: Container deployment includes Kubernetes and a Helm chart, while automatic log-file detection can reduce installation steps.

Cons: Redis receives exposure checks but not the authentication-log monitoring offered for the other supported databases.

Cons: Free is capped at one server and 2,000 events/month, retains logs for only three days, and cannot block attacks.

Cons: Linux kernel 4.x or newer and root or sudo access rule out teams unable to manage a privileged server agent.

Alternatives

Database Vulnerability Scanners is a broader category to compare when you want to consider other database-scanning tools.

Choose Qualys External Attack Surface Management if you want a free 30-day CSAM with EASM trial; it has no free plan. Onam Database Security may suit cloud-account posture work instead: its free plan covers one cloud account, up to 500 resources, core Critical and High CSPM rules, CIS benchmarks, and 30-day finding history.

Free SQL Server Compliance Benchmark Tool is the narrower choice for more than 80 SQL Server compliance checks and PDF benchmark output on Windows. For asset discovery and unified internal and external attack-surface visibility, consider Rapid7 Surface Command; pricing is custom.

Trellix Data Loss Prevention is an enterprise DLP option for protecting data across endpoints, email, web, networks, and storage, on-premises or as SaaS. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Secret Management is a free option for managing secrets, rather than monitoring database logins or exposed ports.

DataSunrise is another paid database-security option with custom pricing. DBX offers a free database scan for unlimited schema introspection, topology and score views, and local analysis.

Verdict

Defensia is a good fit for Linux operators who want database-focused exposure warnings and failed-login monitoring, with blocking available on Pro. Choose it for that focused combination and its container deployment options; look elsewhere if you need Redis login monitoring, Windows support, or attack blocking without upgrading.