Securing your Synology NAS is crucial for protecting your data from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats. One of the most important steps is to disable the default admin account since it is a common target for attackers. By creating a new user with admin privileges, you can significantly reduce the chances of a breach.
Additionally, enabling Security Advisor will help you identify and address potential weaknesses in your setup. This built-in tool scans your system and provides practical recommendations. Ensuring that your DSM user permissions are correctly configured is another key aspect of maintaining strong security.
By following these straightforward steps, you can enhance the security of your Synology NAS and safeguard your valuable data. Each action you take will add an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for malicious entities to compromise your system.
Strengthening Your Synology NAS Security
Essential Steps to Protect Your Data
1. Change Default Passwords
The first and most crucial step is to change the default admin password. This prevents unauthorized access using easily guessed credentials. Create a strong, unique password with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security with 2FA. This requires a code from your phone or another device, along with your password, to log in. Synology offers various 2FA options, including Google Authenticator and SMS codes.
3. Keep DSM Updated
Always keep your Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) software up-to-date. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect against threats. Enable automatic updates to ensure you always have the latest protection.
4. Use a Firewall
Enable the built-in firewall on your Synology NAS. Configure it to allow only necessary traffic and block unauthorized access attempts. You can also use a hardware firewall for an additional layer of protection.
5. Set Up Alerts and Notifications
Configure your NAS to send alerts and notifications for important events, such as failed login attempts, unusual activity, or system errors. This helps you detect potential security breaches early and take action.
Advanced Security Tips
- Limit Admin Access: Create separate user accounts with limited privileges for everyday tasks. Use the admin account only for administrative purposes.
- Disable Unused Services: Turn off any services you don’t use, such as FTP or Telnet, to reduce potential attack vectors.
- Encrypt Your Data: Enable data encryption on your NAS to protect your files from unauthorized access, even if the physical drives are stolen.
- Regular Backups: Back up your data regularly to an external drive or cloud storage to ensure you can recover your files in case of a system failure or ransomware attack.
Table: Key Security Features of Synology NAS
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Security Advisor | Scans your NAS for vulnerabilities and suggests improvements. |
| Auto Block | Blocks IP addresses after repeated failed login attempts. |
| Firewall | Controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Requires a second authentication factor in addition to a password. |
| Data Encryption | Encrypts your data for added security. |
| Package Center Security | Checks the security of installed packages. |
By following these best practices and utilizing the security features of your Synology NAS, you can significantly enhance the protection of your valuable data. Stay vigilant and proactive in your security measures to safeguard your information against potential threats.
Key Takeaways
- Disable the default admin account immediately.
- Use Security Advisor to scan and secure your system.
- Configure DSM user permissions correctly.
Securing Your Synology NAS
To keep your Synology NAS secure, you need to take several effective steps, including setting up user permissions, enabling security features like firewalls, and keeping the system updated. Attention to detail in each area ensures your NAS remains protected.
Set Up User Accounts and Permissions
Creating distinct user accounts with specific permissions is critical. Disable the default admin account and create a new user with admin rights. This limits access just to those who need it.
Navigate to Control Panel > User & Group and set up roles. Assign read, write, or admin rights based on each user’s needs. By doing this, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Always use strong, unique passwords for each account to increase security.
Enable Firewall and Auto Block
Activating the firewall helps protect your NAS from unauthorized access. Go to Control Panel > Security > Firewall and enable it. Set up rules to allow or block traffic from specific IP addresses.
Use Auto Block to stop repeated failed login attempts. Enable Auto Block in Control Panel > Security and configure it to block IPs after several failed attempts. This setup helps prevent brute-force attacks effectively.
Configure Network Protections
Secure your network by configuring your NAS settings properly. Use HTTPS to encrypt connections. To enable SSL, go to Control Panel > Network > DSM Settings and check the HTTPS box.
Disable unused network services in Control Panel > Network > Network Interface to reduce entry points for attacks. Set up a strong firewall on your router to add another layer of defense.
Update and Patch the DSM Regularly
Regular updates are crucial. Always use the latest DSM version to protect against vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates by going to Control Panel > Update & Restore and checking the Download DSM updates automatically box.
Regularly check for new patches and install them promptly to fix any security bugs. This habit keeps your system secure against recent threats.
Install Antivirus and Security Applications
Install antivirus software on your NAS to scan and remove malware. Synology offers antivirus apps tailored for NAS. Navigate to Package Center > Antivirus Essential, then install and configure it.
Use the Security Advisor tool by going to Control Panel > Security Advisor. Run regular scans to find and fix security issues. This tool is essential for maintaining overall security.
Utilize 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security. Go to Control Panel > User > Account and check the 2-step verification box. Follow the prompts to link your account with an authentication app.
2FA ensures even if your password is compromised, the attacker cannot access your NAS without the second factor. This setup significantly boosts security.
Encrypt Shared Folders and Backups
Encryption protects your sensitive data. Navigate to Control Panel > Shared Folder and select the folder you want to encrypt. Click Edit > Encryption, then set up a password. Only users with the password can access the encrypted data.
Backup encryption is equally important. Use Hyper Backup to create encrypted backups. This process ensures your data remains safe, even if the backup media is lost or stolen.
Audit System Logs and Monitor Activity
Monitoring your NAS activity can help identify security breaches. Regularly check logs by going to Control Panel > Log Center. Review access logs for any unusual activity.
Set up notifications for critical events. Navigate to Control Panel > Notification and configure alerts for failed login attempts and other security-related events. This proactive approach helps you respond quickly to potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Securing a Synology NAS involves understanding and using various tools and practices. Below are some specific topics related to enhancing the security of your Synology NAS device.
What are the recommended practices for enhancing the security of a Synology NAS device?
- Disable the default admin account: Create a new admin user and disable the default one. This prevents unauthorized access.
- Run regular security scans: Use Security Advisor to scan and assess the system regularly.
- Keep software updated: Ensure all installed applications and the operating system are up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities.
How can one enable and configure secure sign-in options for a Synology NAS system?
- Enable 2-step verification: This adds an extra layer of security requiring a code from a mobile device.
- Strong passwords: Set up rules for password complexity and expiration to ensure users choose secure passwords.
- Account lockout settings: Configure the NAS to lock accounts after several failed sign-in attempts.
What encryption methods can be applied to protect the data on a Synology NAS?
- RAID volume encryption: Protect data on RAID volumes with encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
- Shared folder encryption: Encrypt sensitive folders. Ensure you back up the encryption key separately.
- HTTPS connections: Always access the NAS interface and transfer files using HTTPS to ensure data in transit is encrypted.
How can remote access to a Synology NAS be secured?
- Use VPN connections: Access the NAS remotely through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for encrypted connections.
- Restrict IP access: Allow only known IP addresses to connect to your NAS.
- Disable unused services: Turn off any services or ports not in use to minimize entry points for attackers.
In what ways can Security Advisor be utilized to improve the security of a Synology NAS?
- Routine scans: Schedule regular scans to detect potential security risks or misconfigurations.
- Security recommendations: Follow the actionable tips provided by the Security Advisor to correct vulnerabilities.
- Tracking changes: Keep an eye on changes to the system that could impact security, such as newly installed applications or user accounts.
What steps should be taken to defend a Synology NAS against ransomware attacks?
- Regular backups: Frequently back up data to an external drive or cloud services.
- Install antivirus software: Use antivirus programs to scan for malicious files.
- User training: Educate users about phishing attacks and suspicious links that may carry ransomware.
