Nginx is one of the most popular web servers. Integrating IP blocklists directly into Nginx provides high-performance, application-level protection.
Why Block at Nginx Level?
Blocking malicious IPs at the web server level is efficient because Nginx can reject requests before they consume application resources.
Nginx handles blocklists with minimal performance impact, even with tens of thousands of entries.
Method 1: Using geo Module
The geo module is ideal for blocklists with many entries:
Nginx geo block configuration:
geo $blocked_ip {
default 0;
include /etc/nginx/blocklist.conf;
}
Include your blocklist file containing IP addresses mapped to 1.
Method 2: Using map Module
The map module offers more flexibility for complex logic:
Nginx map configuration:
map $remote_addr $is_blocked {
include /etc/nginx/ip_blocklist.map;
default 0;
}
Automating Blocklist Updates
Keep your blocklist current with automated updates:
Cron job example:
0 */6 * * * curl -s https://fraudcache.com/feeds/all.txt > /etc/nginx/blocklist.conf && nginx -s reload
Best Practices
- Test Configuration - Always run nginx -t before reloading to catch syntax errors
- Graceful Reloads - Use nginx -s reload to apply changes without dropping connections
- Monitor Blocked Requests - Log blocked IPs separately for analysis and false positive detection
Related Articles
- What is IP Reputation? - Understand the IP reputation data powering your blocklists
- Apache IP Blocking Integration Guide - Similar integration guide for Apache web servers
- Fail2ban IP Blocking Configuration Guide - Combine with Fail2ban for dynamic IP blocking
Conclusion
Nginx provides excellent performance for IP blocklist integration, handling tens of thousands of entries with minimal overhead. By automating blocklist updates with Fraudcache feeds, you maintain current protection against known threats while keeping configuration simple.
Download Nginx-Ready Blocklist
Get blocklists pre-formatted for direct Nginx integration.