SWAG (Secure Web Application Gateway)

Self-Hosted

Dockerized all-in-one web gateway with SSL, reverse proxy, and security tools

Overview

SWAG is a Docker container bundling Nginx, Let's Encrypt (auto SSL), fail2ban, ModSecurity, and more. It simplifies securing self-hosted apps with pre-configured reverse proxy templates for Nextcloud, Plex, Jellyfin, and others. Deploy via Docker Compose, customize with environment variables, and get regular security updates. Ideal for centralizing and protecting web services with minimal setup.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  swag_secure_web_application_gateway:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: swag-secure-web-application-gateway
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Auto-renewing Let's Encrypt SSL certificates
Pre-configured reverse proxy templates for popular apps
Built-in security (fail2ban, ModSecurity, HSTS)
HTTP/2 & HTTP/3 support
Dockerized for easy deployment and scaling

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is SWAG hard to install?

SWAG is easy for Docker users: deploy via Docker Compose with a minimal YAML file. Pre-made templates for apps like Nextcloud reduce setup time, but basic Docker/Nginx knowledge helps with custom reverse proxy rules or security tweaks.

? Is it a good alternative to NGINX Plus?

Yes! SWAG offers enterprise-grade features (reverse proxy, SSL, security) as a free, open-source Docker container. It’s perfect for self-hosters who want NGINX Plus-like capabilities without the proprietary license fee or complex setup.

? Is SWAG completely free?

Absolutely! SWAG is open-source (MIT license) and uses free tools like Let's Encrypt for SSL. There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, or hidden costs — you can secure unlimited apps at no charge.

Top Alternatives

NGINX Plus Search Google

Cloudflare Access Search Google

F5 BIG-IP Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Web Servers

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full control over your web gateway (no vendor lock-in)
⊕ No subscription fees or hidden costs
⊕ Simplifies complex security setup for self-hosters
⊕ Regular updates from LinuxServer.io community

Cons

⊖ Requires basic Docker and Nginx knowledge
⊖ No graphical user interface (GUI) — config via files
⊖ Custom rules may need troubleshooting for advanced use cases
⊖ Resource usage depends on number of proxied apps