10 Synology NAS Best Practices

Synology NAS is a powerful and reliable network-attached storage solution that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a great way to store and share files, back up data, and even host websites. However, to get the most out of your Synology NAS, it is important to follow some best practices.

In this article, we will discuss 10 Synology NAS best practices that you should follow to ensure that your NAS is running optimally and securely. We will cover topics such as setting up user accounts, configuring security settings, and optimizing performance.

1. Use a UPS

A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a device that provides emergency power to your NAS in the event of a power outage. This ensures that your data remains safe and secure, even if there’s an unexpected power failure.

A UPS also helps protect against other potential issues such as voltage spikes or brownouts. It can provide enough time for you to properly shut down your system before any damage occurs. Additionally, it can help reduce wear and tear on your hardware by providing clean, consistent power.

2. Enable SSH and disable Telnet

SSH is a secure protocol that allows you to remotely access your NAS, while Telnet is an insecure protocol. By enabling SSH and disabling Telnet, you can ensure that all remote connections are encrypted and secure.

To enable SSH on your Synology NAS, open the Control Panel and go to Terminal & SNMP. Under the “Terminal” tab, check the box next to “Enable SSH service” and click “Apply”. To disable Telnet, uncheck the box next to “Enable Telnet service” and click “Apply”.

3. Update your Synology NAS regularly

Synology releases regular updates to its software, which can include bug fixes, security patches, and new features. By keeping your Synology NAS up-to-date, you ensure that it is running the most secure version of the software available.

To update your Synology NAS, open the Package Center and click on the “Update” tab. Here, you will see a list of all available updates for your system. Select the ones you want to install and click “Apply”. The updates will be installed automatically. It’s important to note that some updates may require a restart of your Synology NAS in order to take effect.

4. Create an off-site backup of your data

Synology NAS devices are designed to be reliable and secure, but they can still fail due to hardware or software issues. If your Synology NAS fails, you could lose all of the data stored on it.

Creating an off-site backup of your data is a great way to protect yourself from this type of disaster. You can use cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive to store copies of your files in a remote location. This will ensure that even if something happens to your Synology NAS, you’ll still have access to your important data.

5. Set up two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your NAS, making it much harder for hackers and malicious actors to gain access.

When setting up two-factor authentication on Synology NAS, you’ll need to use a third-party app such as Google Authenticator or Authy. Once set up, users will be required to enter both their username and password, as well as a code generated by the third-party app. This makes it much more difficult for someone to gain unauthorized access to your NAS.

6. Disable the default admin account

The default admin account is the most powerful user on your NAS, and it has access to all of its features. If someone were to gain access to this account, they could do a lot of damage.

To protect yourself from potential security risks, you should disable the default admin account and create a new one with a unique username and password. This will ensure that only authorized users can access your Synology NAS. Additionally, you should also enable two-factor authentication for added protection.

7. Don’t use weak passwords

Weak passwords are easy to guess, and if someone were to gain access to your NAS, they could potentially steal or delete important data.

To ensure that your Synology NAS is secure, use strong passwords with a combination of upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, you should change your password regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Finally, make sure to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your NAS to add an extra layer of security.

8. Turn on HTTPS for DSM 6.0+

HTTPS is a secure protocol that encrypts data sent between the NAS and your web browser. This means that any information you enter into DSM, such as passwords or other sensitive data, will be encrypted and protected from malicious actors.

To enable HTTPS for DSM 6.0+, open Control Panel > Security > Certificate and click “Create” to generate a self-signed certificate. Once this is done, go to Control Panel > Network > General and select “HTTPS” in the Protocol field. Finally, restart the Synology NAS to apply the changes.

9. Harden your firewall settings

Synology NAS devices are designed to be secure, but they can still be vulnerable to attack if the firewall settings aren’t properly configured.

To harden your Synology NAS’s firewall settings, you should enable the built-in firewall and configure it to block all incoming connections except those from trusted IP addresses or networks. You should also disable any unnecessary services that could potentially be exploited by attackers. Finally, make sure to regularly update your firmware and security patches to ensure your device is running the latest version with the most up-to-date security features.

10. Install antivirus software

Synology NAS devices are powerful computers that can store a lot of data, and they’re connected to the internet. This makes them vulnerable to malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans.

Antivirus software helps protect your Synology NAS from these threats by scanning files for malicious code and blocking any suspicious activity. It also monitors network traffic for signs of malicious activity and alerts you if it finds anything suspicious.

Installing antivirus software on your Synology NAS is an important step in keeping your data safe and secure. Make sure to keep the software up-to-date with the latest virus definitions so that it can detect the newest threats.