So you've just installed SafeLine, the powerful, self-hosted Web Application Firewall (WAF) from China that's gaining popularity across homelabs and startups worldwide.
But installation is just the beginning. To truly secure your applications and maximize SafeLine’s potential, here are 8 essential steps you must take right after setup.
1. Secure the Management Console
By default, SafeLine’s management panel runs on port 9443. You should:
- Restrict access using IP whitelisting.
- Bind the panel to
127.0.0.1if only accessed locally. - Or set up a reverse proxy with authentication if remote access is required.
⚠️ Exposing the admin console to the internet without protection is a serious security risk.
Here is a detailed tutorial for referrence: https://dev.to/sharon_42e16b8da44dabde6d/how-to-protect-safelines-admin-panel-with-itself-411n
2. Configure Upstream Applications
Define your protected backend servers in the Application Management section:
- Assign a meaningful name to each app.
- Configure the correct domain, protocol, and upstream IP/port.
- Test connectivity to ensure proper forwarding.
3. Enable Geo-Blocking (if needed)
If your service is regional, consider enabling Geo IP Blocking:
- Block traffic from countries you don’t serve.
- Reduce exposure to known threat regions.
🌐 This is especially useful for mitigating global bot scanning.
4. Add Custom Rules for Your Application
No WAF is plug-and-play for every app. Explore:
- Allowlists or denylists.
- Custom rate limiting rules to protect sensitive endpoints (e.g.
/admin,/login, etc.)
5. Connect to Telegram/Discord for Real-Time Alerts
SafeLine supports alert push via Telegram Bot. To stay updated on attacks:
- Create a Telegram bot
- Link your Telegram ID
- Enable alert rules for blocked requests
🔔 This keeps you informed even if you’re away from the dashboard.
6. Regularly Check the Attack Logs
Visit the Logs > Attack Records section to:
- Understand what threats are targeting your services
- Identify false positives
- Optimize your rules accordingly
🕵️ Proactive review helps you stay one step ahead.
7. Keep SafeLine Updated
SafeLine is actively maintained with new features and security updates. To stay secure:
- Watch the SafeLine GitHub repo
- Pull the latest Docker image regularly
- Join SafeLine Discord for announcements: https://discord.gg/dy3JT7dkmY
Final Thoughts
SafeLine(https://ly.safepoint.cloud/ShZAy9x) is a powerful ally in your security stack—but it’s not “set and forget.” Following these 8 steps ensures you’re not just running SafeLine, but running it smartly and securely. Stay vigilant, customize for your needs, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your apps are protected.
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