Nginx Configuration for Optimal Protection Against Crawlers
Navigating the challenges of web security can be daunting, especially regarding unwanted crawlers. Here’s a simple yet effective way to protect your Forgejo instance using Nginx:
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Basic Strategy:
- Set a specific cookie to identify genuine users.
- Redirect non-compliant traffic to an unnoticeable 418 error page.
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Advantages:
- Invisible to Users: This method minimizes disruption for legitimate users.
- Efficient: Unlike heavier solutions like Anubis, this approach is lightweight and easy to configure.
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Observations:
- Initial attempts with Anubis showed it was overly complex.
- A dynamic check against cookies effectively thwarts unwanted automated requests.
By sharing this method, I hope to empower other tech enthusiasts facing similar issues. It’s a stopgap solution that prioritizes volume, allowing genuine exploration of your Forgejo project.
💡 Join the conversation! What strategies have you found effective against web crawlers? Share your thoughts below!