Access Synology Network Shares Over VPN Securely

How to Access Synology Network Shares Over VPN

Secure remote access to business data is essential in today’s distributed work environment. Whether employees are working from home, traveling, or operating across multiple locations, accessing shared files safely is critical.

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with a Synology NAS allows users to connect to internal network shares securely, without exposing sensitive data to the public internet. This approach ensures encrypted communication, controlled access, and reliable file availability.

Why Use VPN for Accessing Network Shares

Accessing Synology shares directly over the internet can expose your system to security risks. VPN creates a secure tunnel between the user and the internal network.

Key benefits include:

Encrypted data transmission
Protection against unauthorized access
Secure access without exposing NAS ports
Consistent internal network experience remotely

For businesses managing sensitive data, VPN is a fundamental part of a secure access strategy.

What You Need Before Getting Started

Before accessing Synology shares over VPN, ensure the following:

A configured Synology NAS with shared folders
VPN Server installed and configured on the NAS or network
A static IP address or dynamic DNS for remote access
Proper router port forwarding for VPN traffic
User accounts with correct permissions

These components ensure a stable and secure connection.

Step 1: Set Up VPN Server on Synology

Open Package Center in DSM and install the VPN Server application.

Choose a secure protocol such as:

OpenVPN (recommended for security and flexibility)
L2TP/IPsec (widely supported across devices)

Configure IP ranges, authentication settings, and encryption options. Assign VPN access permissions to users.

Step 2: Configure Router and Network Settings

To allow external access, configure your router to forward VPN ports to the NAS.

For example:

OpenVPN typically uses port 1194
L2TP/IPsec uses ports such as 500, 4500, and 1701

Ensure firewall rules allow VPN traffic while blocking unnecessary exposure.

Step 3: Connect to the VPN

Install a VPN client on the remote device (laptop, desktop, or mobile).

Import the OpenVPN configuration file or
Use built-in VPN settings for L2TP/IPsec

Enter credentials and establish a connection. Once connected, the device becomes part of the internal network.

Step 4: Access Synology Network Shares

After connecting to the VPN, users can access network shares just like they would locally.

On Windows

Open File Explorer
Enter \\NAS-IP\SharedFolder
Map the network drive for easier access

On macOS

Open Finder
Select “Connect to Server”
Enter smb://NAS-IP/SharedFolder

On Mobile Devices

Use Synology apps like DS File or compatible SMB clients to access shared folders securely.

Step 5: Verify Permissions and Security

Ensure users only have access to the folders they need. Use role-based permissions to enforce the principle of least privilege.

Test access to confirm:

Proper authentication
Correct folder visibility
Secure file transfer

Best Practices for Secure VPN Access

To maintain a secure environment, follow these best practices:

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts
Use strong encryption protocols such as OpenVPN or IPsec
Regularly update DSM and VPN configurations
Monitor connection logs for unusual activity
Limit VPN access to authorized users only

These measures reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect sensitive data.

Integration with Backup and Business Systems

VPN access is especially important for managing backup systems and business-critical data remotely.

Administrators can securely access:

Microsoft 365 backup environments
Google Workspace backup systems
Large storage repositories

This ensures that backup operations, monitoring, and recovery tasks can be performed without exposing systems to external threats.

Synology Features Supporting Remote Access

Modern Synology NAS systems provide built-in tools for VPN configuration, secure file sharing, and access control.

These features allow businesses to create a secure remote access environment without requiring complex third-party solutions.

How Epis Technology Enables Secure Remote Access

Epis Technology helps organizations implement secure remote access solutions using Synology VPN and enterprise IT infrastructure design. By integrating VPN with storage, backup, and security systems, Epis Technology ensures that employees can access data safely from any location.

The company provides services including Synology consulting, large storage solutions, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, and fully managed PC backups. Epis Technology also helps configure secure network access, optimize performance, and enforce cybersecurity best practices.

About Epis Technology

Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, Synology consulting, and data protection solutions for organizations of all sizes. The company specializes in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backup solutions, large-scale storage systems, fully managed PC backups, and Synology deployment and support. Through expert design, implementation, and optimization, Epis Technology helps businesses secure, manage, and recover their critical data while ensuring performance, scalability, and cybersecurity resilience.