Image Overview

Public Mongo Image vs. Minimus Hardened Mongo Image

Mongo Image Overview

The Mongo image packages the database server runtime and core components: the mongod daemon, optional mongos router, storage engine, shell and command-line tools, and language drivers/runtime libraries commonly needed at runtime. It includes configuration files, startup scripts, and health/metrics probes so the image can run as a container process under orchestration.

In containerized and production deployments the image is used for stateful services, persistent volumes, automated scaling, backups and rolling upgrades. Typical workloads include operational CRUD for web/mobile backends, real-time analytics, time-series ingestion, caching and session stores. Teams evaluating a Mongo hardened image do so to reduce attack surface and meet compliance: examples include non-root execution, minimized packages, signed artifacts, patched runtimes, enforced TLS, audit logging and container runtime security profiles.

Minimus Mongo Image

CIS
NIST
FIPS 140-3
STIG

The Minimus Mongo image differs from typical Mongo container images by being built from scratch with only the essential components required to run MongoDB. By omitting general-purpose OS tooling, package managers, shells, and unnecessary libraries, the Minimus Mongo image reduces its attack surface, boots faster, uses fewer resources, and is easier to maintain and update in production pipelines.

The Minimus hardened Mongo image is aligned with industry hardening guidance such as NIST SP 800-190 and CIS Benchmarks, applying configuration, runtime controls, and build-time defenses that simplify auditing and compliance. This minimal-plus-hardening approach gives security-focused engineers a predictable, smaller target for vulnerability management and operational hardening.

Get Started

Try the Minimus Hardened Mongo Image

Get access to the Minimus platform, with thousands of hardened container images, supply chain protection, native compliance reporting, and seamless integrations to your existing development toolchain.
Secure, Minimal Container Images
Hardened to NIST and CIS standards with FIPS 140-3 and STIG ready images available.

Supply Chain Protection

Defend against malicious packages with advanced heuristic filtration

Custom Image Creation

Create your own hardened images with the packages, files and certs you need. Minimus handles updates automatically.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mongo Container Image FAQ

Answers to common questions about Mongo and the Minimus Hardened Mongo Image
Is MongoDB Docker image free?

Yes, the official Mongo image is free to download and run; it uses the MongoDB Community Edition, which is free to use. If you need Enterprise features or official support, those require a paid license.

For production environments, you might consider a hardened Mongo image and apply security best practices.

Is MongoDB still used in 2025?

Yes. In 2025 MongoDB remains a popular choice for document-oriented workloads, supported by MongoDB, Inc., with strong ecosystem traction around Atlas, connectors, and tooling.

It’s widely used in microservices, content catalogs, analytics, and real-time apps due to its flexible schema, scalability, and mature tooling.

For production use, a hardened Mongo image is recommended: enable authentication, TLS, proper RBAC, network controls, and regular updates.

docker run -d --name mongodb -p 27017:27017 mongo:6.0
Does MongoDB allow images?

Yes. MongoDB can run from container images; you can deploy using the official MongoDB container image from Docker Hub. A containerized MongoDB provides the same features as the server, with configuration via environment variables, persistent volumes, and standard networking options.

For production security, use a hardened Mongo image and keep it updated with the latest security patches. Follow best practices: run as non-root, enable authentication, use TLS, and limit exposed ports or network access.

Can I replace my Mongo image with the Minimus Hardened Mongo Image?
Yes. The Minimus Mongo image contains everything you need to run Mongo successfully.
Does Minimus offer FIPS 140-3 images?
Yes, Minimus images are hardened to CIS and NIST standards, with FIPS 140-3 and STIG ready variants available.