Cost estimate cloud-based security system
Running your own infrastructure does come with real-world costs—especially in terms of time and expertise.
Private cloud server
We’ll assume a mid-range VPS from a privacy-respecting European host (e.g. Hetzner, Netcup, 1984 Hosting).
- Specs: 4 vCPU, 8–16 GB RAM, 100 GB SSD, Ubuntu 22.04
- Monthly cost: €15–€30
- Annual cost: ~€300
Go for at least 8 GB RAM. SIEM stacks are not lightweight.
Hardening & base security tools
- Fail2ban, UFW, Unattended-upgrades = free (open source)
- Admin time to configure and test: 4 hours × €60/hour = €240
IPA-SIEM installation (Wazuh stack)
- Wazuh Manager, API, Elasticsearch, Kibana
- Software cost: €0 (all open source)
- Initial setup and tuning: 1–2 days of expert time = €500–€1,000
Can be done by a capable tech volunteer—but budget for fallback help.
VPN setup (WireGuard/OpenVPN)
- Software: free
- Setup time: 3 hours (server + initial clients) = €180
- Ongoing: key rotation, diagnostics, client support
Remote agent deployment
Installing and configuring agents on Windows/macOS: Assume 10–20 survivor devices Setup per device: ~30 mins → 10 hours total = €600
Android/iOS log extraction: Manual (ADB, backups, etc.) or scripted Time & training cost: €400–€600
Optional: PiRogue triage kit
- 1 x PiRogue = ~€150 hardware + shipping
- Setup, training: 3 hours = €180
Secure storage, backup & encryption
- Use server’s 100 GB SSD; rotate compressed logs
- Extra backup space (external or offsite): €2/month → €24/year
- Encryption tools (GPG, age): free
- Admin scripting time: 2–4 hours = €120–€240
Ongoing maintenance & support
- VPN key rotation, log rotation, alert checks
- Monthly admin budget: 4–6 hours × €60 = €240–€360/month
- Annual total: €2,880–€4,320
Contingency & training
- Contingency (mistakes, downtime, unexpected updates): €500
- Internal training/documentation for staff: €300
Summary: Total cost estimate (Year 1)
| Item | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Private cloud server | €300 |
| Server hardening | €240 |
| SIEM install & tuning | €500–€1,000 |
| VPN setup | €180 |
| Device agent setup (10–20 survivors) | €600 |
| Android/iOS log collection tooling | €400–€600 |
| PiRogue (optional) | €330 |
| Secure backups & automation | €144–€264 |
| Ongoing maintenance (admin time) | €2,880–€4,320 |
| Training & contingency | €800 |
| Total (Year 1) | €6,374 – €8,634 |
Ongoing yearly cost (Year 2+)
Once built and documented, the private cloud stack is cheaper to keep going:
- Server: €300/year
- Maintenance: €3,000–€4,000
- Occasional retraining or update costs
Estimated annual cost: ~€3,500–€4,500
Notes for budget planning
- Cost varies based on how many devices and people you support
- Volunteer labour or student placements can reduce costs, but require coordination
- Grant proposals should include staff time and contingency for scaling or support
- This setup can be shared between multiple shelters with secure VPNs