To extend Grafana's functionality, you can easily add plugins. This process involves creating a new plugin project, developing and building the plugin, and then adding it to your Grafana instance. Once configured, you can access and enable the plugin to enhance your Grafana experience with new visualization types, data sources, or panels.
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Securing Grafana: Best Practices for Enhanced Security
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To bolster Grafana's security, follow these steps:
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1. Use Strong Credentials:
- Set robust passwords, especially for the admin account. Consider a password manager for secure storage.
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2. Enable Authentication:
- Authenticate through LDAP, OAuth, or other external providers to allow only authorized user access.
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3. Limit Access:
- Restrict access based on IP addresses using Grafana config or a reverse proxy like NGINX.
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4. Encrypt Communication:
- Employ SSL/TLS for encrypted communication, safeguarding data from eavesdropping and tampering.
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5. Update Regularly:
- Keep Grafana current with security patches. Utilize automatic updates or check for releases consistently.
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6. Restrict Permissions:
- Grant users only necessary permissions, limiting access to sensitive features and dashboards.
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7. Monitor Access Logs:
- Enable access log monitoring to detect suspicious activity. Regularly review logs for security breaches.
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8. Implement Firewall Rules:
- Configure firewall rules for essential inbound and outbound connections to Grafana.
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9. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
- Add an extra layer of security with 2FA to deter unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised.
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10. Harden the Server:
- Apply security best practices for the hosting server, including updates, service disablement, and firewall configuration.
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Following these steps fortifies your Grafana deployment, safeguarding data against unauthorized access or manipulation.
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