1
Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
Back to all templates
CrowdSec
Development512MB+ RAM
Open-source, collaborative IPS — parse logs to detect attacks and share blocklists across the community
developmentdevtoolscrowdsecopen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy CrowdSec in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select CrowdSec
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy CrowdSec on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the CrowdSec template in Server Compass to deploy a self-hosted collaborative intrusion prevention service on your VPS, then verify the setup screen.
About 10 minutesBrowser verified
2
Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
3
Step 3Search for CrowdSec
Use the template picker search to find CrowdSec in the Server Compass template catalog.
4
Step 4Select the CrowdSec template
Choose the CrowdSec template. Server Compass fills the CrowdSec service, mounted host logs, selected collections, and Local API port.
5
Step 5Review the CrowdSec settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named crowdsec-demo and used host port 4128.
6
Step 6Deploy CrowdSec
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the CrowdSec web port is available, and click Deploy.
7
Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the CrowdSec image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
8
Step 8Confirm CrowdSec is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the CrowdSec app is marked Running with its application URL available.
9
Step 9Verify CrowdSec with cscli
Run cscli inside the deployed container and confirm the Linux and SSHD collections are loaded.
After CrowdSec Opens
- Place CrowdSec behind HTTPS before storing or sharing real files.
- Change the generated admin password immediately after first login.
- Keep the Local API restricted to trusted hosts or localhost.
- Back up the CrowdSec config volume because it stores provider settings and the database.
- Install a bouncer before expecting CrowdSec to block traffic.
- Check cscli metrics and parser output before relying on alerts.
- Keep the CrowdSec image updated for dependency and security fixes.
Verified Result
The CrowdSec container reported installed collections successfully through cscli.
CrowdSec deployment questions
What does the CrowdSec template deploy?
It deploys the CrowdSec collaborative intrusion prevention service with configuration and data volumes.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4128, which maps to the CrowdSec web UI on container port 8080.
Does CrowdSec need setup after deployment?
Yes. Verify collections with cscli, then register a bouncer for enforcement.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the CrowdSec template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying CrowdSec with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
1
Verify parsers and scenarios loaded: `docker compose exec crowdsec cscli collections list`
2
Register a bouncer: `docker compose exec crowdsec cscli bouncers add my-firewall-bouncer` and copy the API key
3
Install a bouncer on your firewall, Traefik, nginx, or Cloudflare with the API key
4
(Optional) Enroll with the Central API: `docker compose exec crowdsec cscli console enroll YOUR_TOKEN`
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
CrowdSec FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting CrowdSec
How do I deploy CrowdSec with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select CrowdSec from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for CrowdSec?
CrowdSec requires a minimum of 512MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 1024MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing CrowdSec data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard CrowdSec backup and restore procedures.
How do I update CrowdSec to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest CrowdSec image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is CrowdSec free to self-host?
CrowdSec is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
Related Templates
View all Development
PocketBase
Open-source backend in a single file with realtime database, auth, and file storage
Appwrite
Open-source backend-as-a-service - self-hosted Firebase alternative
Parse Server
Open-source backend framework with dashboard
Supabase
Full Supabase self-hosted with Kong, GoTrue Auth, Realtime, and Studio
Ready to Self-Host CrowdSec?
Download Server Compass and deploy CrowdSec to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
Download Server Compass