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Common Mistakes Businesses Make with Synology NAS and How to Avoid Them

Introduction

Synology NAS devices offer powerful storage, collaboration, and security solutions for modern businesses. However, many organizations underutilize these systems or make avoidable mistakes that compromise performance, security, and efficiency. Understanding these common pitfalls is essential to fully leverage the potential of Synology solutions while protecting critical business data.

1. Ignoring Proper Backup Strategies

One of the most frequent mistakes is assuming that the NAS itself is enough to protect data. Many users rely solely on RAID configurations and fail to implement offsite backups or cloud replication. While RAID prevents hardware failure, it does not protect against accidental deletion, ransomware, or natural disasters.

How to Avoid:

  • Implement automated backup routines to external drives or cloud services.

  • Use Synology’s Hyper Backup to schedule backups and maintain version history.

2. Weak User Permissions and Security Settings

Organizations sometimes grant broad access to all users, creating potential data leaks or unauthorized edits. Weak passwords, disabled 2FA, or unmonitored access logs make systems vulnerable to breaches.

How to Avoid:

  • Use role-based permissions to limit access.

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all users.

  • Monitor audit logs and enable notifications for suspicious activities.

3. Overlooking System Updates

NAS firmware and applications require regular updates to patch security vulnerabilities and improve performance. Many users ignore these updates, leaving systems exposed to threats.

How to Avoid:

  • Schedule automatic updates for DSM (DiskStation Manager) and installed packages.

  • Regularly check Synology Security Advisor to detect vulnerabilities.

4. Misconfiguring RAID and Storage Pools

Choosing the wrong RAID type or incorrectly configuring storage pools is a frequent mistake that can reduce performance or compromise redundancy. For example, using RAID 0 without understanding the risks can lead to total data loss if one disk fails.

How to Avoid:

  • Evaluate business needs and select the appropriate RAID type (RAID 1, 5, 6, or SHR).

  • Regularly check storage health with Synology’s Storage Manager.

5. Neglecting Remote Access Security

Many businesses enable QuickConnect or VPN access but do not configure security settings properly. Open ports or weak remote access credentials can make NAS devices vulnerable to hackers.

How to Avoid:

  • Use VPN for remote access instead of exposing ports directly to the internet.

  • Ensure strong passwords and IP-blocking policies.

  • Enable encryption for sensitive files.

6. Failing to Educate Employees

Even the best-configured NAS can fail if users do not understand how to interact with it properly. Mistakes like storing files in the wrong location, disabling backups, or sharing credentials are common.

How to Avoid:

  • Conduct training sessions for staff on file organization, permissions, and security protocols.

  • Provide clear guidelines on collaboration tools like Synology Drive or Synology Office.

7. Underutilizing Synology Features

Many organizations buy Synology NAS primarily for storage, ignoring features like Synology Drive, Synology Office, AI-powered monitoring, or Snapshot Replication. This limits productivity, collaboration, and data protection capabilities.

How to Avoid:

  • Explore and implement advanced Synology applications for collaboration, real-time backups, and analytics.

  • Integrate NAS with cloud solutions like Office 365 or Google Workspace for hybrid workflows

Synology NAS devices are powerful tools, but mistakes in setup, security, and usage can reduce their effectiveness and expose organizations to risks. By avoiding common errors—such as neglecting backups, misconfiguring permissions, or ignoring updates—businesses can maximize data protection, enhance collaboration, and ensure operational efficiency.

How Epis Technology Supports Businesses

Epis Technology helps organizations deploy, configure, and optimize Synology NAS systems. From consulting on security best practices to setting up remote access, backups, and collaboration tools, ET ensures that businesses avoid common mistakes while leveraging Synology’s full potential. Their expert support helps maintain data integrity, productivity, and business continuity, allowing companies to focus on growth with confidence.

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