Instructions for Setting Up Strapi CMS on Ubuntu 24.04, Utilizing PostgreSQL, PM2, and Nginx
Deploying Strapi CMS on Ubuntu 24.04: A Comprehensive Guide
Deploying Strapi CMS on Ubuntu 24.04 involves a series of well-structured steps to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and strong security. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this.
1. Setting Up PostgreSQL Database
Install PostgreSQL and create a dedicated database and user for Strapi. Secure PostgreSQL by enforcing strong passwords and restricting remote access. Store the database credentials securely using environment variables ( file) in Strapi.
2. Installing Node.js and Strapi
Use a stable Node.js LTS version compatible with Strapi (e.g., Node 18 or later). Create a Strapi project configured to use PostgreSQL as the database. Run or to install dependencies.
3. Managing Strapi with PM2
Install PM2 globally and use it to run Strapi as a daemon. This ensures auto-restart upon failure and supports cluster mode for scalability. Generate a startup script with PM2 to ensure Strapi runs on system reboot. PM2 provides real-time monitoring and logs, useful for production environments.
4. Configuring Nginx as Reverse Proxy
Install and configure Nginx to proxy requests from ports 80/443 to Strapi’s default port (usually 1337). Obtain SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt to enable HTTPS and enforce HTTPS-only access. Use HTTP/2, gzip compression, and add security headers (e.g., Content-Security-Policy, X-Frame-Options). Restrict direct access to the backend port (1337), making Strapi only accessible through Nginx.
5. Security Best Practices
Use firewall rules (e.g., ) to allow only necessary ports (80, 443) and block others including port 1337. Store secrets and credentials in environment variables, avoiding hardcoding in source code. Enable Strapi’s built-in Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in the Admin Panel to limit user permissions. Regularly update Strapi, its plugins, and dependencies to patch security vulnerabilities. Consider additional protections such as Fail2Ban to mitigate brute force attempts on Nginx endpoints. Optionally sandbox Node.js and Nginx processes using AppArmor or SELinux for process isolation.
6. Additional Tips & Best Practices
Use version control to manage Strapi configurations and plugins, pin dependency versions to ensure predictable rollbacks. Monitor server resources and application logs using PM2 tools and external monitoring solutions. Optimize PostgreSQL queries and connection pooling for better performance. Backup your database and application regularly, especially before major updates or configuration changes.
This approach follows modern standards of deploying a Node.js application with a headless CMS like Strapi, ensuring good performance, scalability, and strong security on Ubuntu 24.04.
Summary Table of Components and Best Practices
| Component | Key Actions | Security Highlights | |--------------|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | PostgreSQL | Install, create DB/user, secure access | Strong passwords, restricted network access | | Node.js/Strapi| Install LTS Node.js, create project with PG | Use , update dependencies regularly | | PM2 | Run Strapi as daemon, auto-restart, startup script| Monitor app, cluster mode, process isolation option | | Nginx | Reverse proxy with SSL from Let’s Encrypt | HTTPS enforcement, security headers, block direct db | | System | Configure firewall (ufw), Fail2Ban, AppArmor | Limit open ports, block brute force, process sandbox |
This setup balances performance, maintainability, and security for enterprise-grade Strapi deployments on Ubuntu 24.04.
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