Do I need a backend to use Monocle?
No. You can use Monocle to gain visibility into traffic intelligence via the Monocle UI without acting on it. With a supported integration like Cloudflare, traffic can be enforced directly from the UI based on policy configuration. A backend is only required if you want to decrypt assessments or apply custom enforcement logic.
Similar questions
How do I integrate Monocle?
The most common way is by adding a JavaScript snippet to your application. You can also integrate Monocle using backend or edge-based approaches depending on your setup. See https://docs.spur.us/monocle/integrations for details.
How long does it take to see data?
Typically within minutes of integrating Monocle. In some cases, it may take up to an hour for data to appear in the dashboard.
Can we decrypt Monocle assessments ourselves instead of calling an API?
Yes — this is already supported at no extra cost. Every Monocle application has both a Secret Key (for the hosted Decryption API) and a Private Key (for manual backend decryption) available in the Monocle Dashboard. Backend decryption lets your own server decrypt the Monocle Assessment locally using the Private Key, without making a call to Spur's Decryption API.
Does Monocle block traffic?
No, not by default. Monocle evaluates traffic and returns a decision (such as Block or Allow); your system is responsible for enforcing that decision. The exception is supported edge integrations, such as Cloudflare, where Monocle can enforce decisions directly.
What is the difference between using Monocle to monitor vs. enforce traffic decisions?
Monitor is passive: Monocle provides visibility into how users connect to your application without impacting users or taking any blocking action. Enforce applies actions such as blocking or allowing traffic based on Monocle's assessments. Most users start with a monitoring phase before configuring and enabling enforcement.
Related guides & explainers
Fastly No-Code Integration
Connect Monocle to your Fastly service without writing any code. Monocle deploys and manages a Compute service that enforces your policy at the edge.
Expanding IP and Service Rows in the Explorer
Click any IP or service row in the Monocle Explorer's breakdown tables to expand an inline detail panel, without leaving the table.
Understanding Monocle Application Health Status
Each Monocle application shows a health status badge indicating whether it's actively sending traffic. Learn what each color means and what to check if an application goes quiet.
Context API Chrome Extension
Install Spur's Context API Chrome Extension to look up IP enrichment data directly from any web page — highlight an IP and get results inline, without leaving your browser. This is a developer-mode tool, not a Chrome Web Store listing.