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Cloud Infrastructure

This document details the current cloud infrastructure setup, outlines potential improvements, and focuses on the implementation of a managed PostgreSQL database service and enhanced security practices.

Current Infrastructure Overview

The existing cloud environment utilizes two primary server types: a dedicated database server and a Virtual Private Server (VPS) for application services.

Database Server Configuration

  • Specifications:
    • 2 CPU Cores
    • 8 GB RAM
    • 128 GB Storage
  • Function: Hosts the primary PostgreSQL database.
  • Limitations:
    • Potential scalability bottlenecks.

Application Server (VPS) Configuration

  • Specifications:
    • 4 CPU Cores
    • 32 GB RAM
  • Function: Supports various application components:
    • APIs
    • Queues
    • Schedulers
  • Characteristics: The higher RAM allocation suggests memory-intensive operations, such as caching or complex computations.
  • Limitations:
    • Manual maintenance overhead.
    • Single point of failure.

General Infrastructure Concerns

  • Scalability: The database server's limited resources pose a scalability risk.
  • Maintenance: Both servers require manual upkeep, including backups, updates, and security patches.

  • Redundancy: The absence of redundancy measures creates a single point of failure. This means there are no duplicate systems in place, such as:

    By creating duplicate copies of hardware, software, data, or network pathways.

Managed PostgreSQL Database Service Implementation

  • Recommendation: Migrate from the current self-managed database server to a managed PostgreSQL service.
  • Advantages:
    • Scalability: Easy adjustment of CPU, RAM, and storage.
    • High Availability: Built-in redundancy and failover.
    • Automated Maintenance: Provider-managed backups, updates, and patching.
    • Performance Optimization: Integrated performance tuning and monitoring tools.
    • Enhanced Security: Robust security features, including encryption and access controls.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Higher cost compared to self-managed servers.
    • Potential vendor lock-in.
    • Reduced customization options.

Enhanced Security Practices

To strengthen the security posture of the platform and minimize the risk of vulnerabilities, we recommend a layered security approach across the entire infrastructure and application stack.

Key Actions

  • Implement strong authentication and authorization mechanisms for all user-facing and internal services.
  • Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

Web Application Firewall (WAF) and Content Delivery Network (CDN)

To complement the above measures, integrating a Web Application Firewall (WAF) and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) is highly advised for both security and performance.

Benefits of a WAF
  • Protects against common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and DDoS attacks.
  • Helps enforce rate-limiting, block malicious bots, and log or block suspicious traffic.
  • Provides real-time security rule enforcement and monitoring.
Benefits of a CDN
  • Reduces server load by caching and serving static assets from edge locations.
  • Improves website load times and global performance by reducing latency.
  • Offers uptime resilience through automatic rerouting and fallback nodes.
  • Can act as an additional security layer by obfuscating your origin server.
Provider Best For Highlights Notes
Cloudflare Most users / All-rounder ✅ Generous free tier
✅ Built-in WAF, DDoS protection, SSL
✅ Global CDN		 Great default for most apps
Fastly Developers / Custom edge logic ✅ Advanced CDN with VCL support
✅ Real-time logs
✅ Precise caching control		 More complex setup, but powerful
Bunny.net Budget-friendly / Simple setup ✅ Very affordable
✅ Fast edge network
✅ Basic security tools		 WAF is optional (extra cost), great value

Implementing a WAF and CDN should be considered essential for any production-grade deployment to safeguard infrastructure and enhance the end-user experience.