Essential Synology NAS Security Settings for Businesses

Critical Synology NAS Security Settings Every Business Must Enable

A Synology NAS often stores some of a business’s most valuable assets, such as customer data, financial records, intellectual property, and system backups. Because of this, NAS devices are increasingly targeted by ransomware groups, credential-stuffing attacks, and network intrusions. Simply installing a NAS is not enough; security hardening is essential.

This guide explains the most important Synology NAS security settings every business should enable, why they matter, and how they work together to reduce risk without sacrificing usability.

Why NAS Security Requires Active Configuration

Synology provides a powerful security framework out of the box, but many protections are optional and disabled by default to maintain ease of setup. Businesses that skip security configuration often expose:

• Management interfaces to the internet.

• Weak authentication policies

• Excessive user privileges

• Unmonitored login attempts

Enabling the right settings transforms a NAS from a basic file server into a hardened storage platform.

1. Disable the Default Admin Account

One of the most important steps is disabling the built-in admin account.

Why this matters

Attackers almost always target default usernames first. Even with strong passwords, known usernames increase risk.

Best practice

• Create a new administrator account with a unique name.

• Assign admin privileges

• Disable the default admin account.

This single change dramatically reduces brute-force attack success rates.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer sufficient.

What to enable

• MFA for all administrator accounts

• MFA for users with remote access

DSM supports app-based authentication that adds minimal friction while blocking most credential-based attacks.

3. Turn On Auto-Block and Account Protection

Synology includes automatic protection against repeated login failures.

Recommended settings

• Enable auto-block after a small number of failed attempts.

• Set temporary and permanent IP blocking thresholds.

• Enable account lockout policies for repeated failures

This prevents brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks from progressing.

4. Configure the Built-In Firewall

The DSM firewall allows precise control over network access.

Best practices

• Allow management access only from trusted IP ranges.

• Restrict services by port and interface.

• Block all unnecessary inbound connections.

A properly configured firewall ensures that even exposed services remain tightly controlled.

5. Use HTTPS and Valid Certificates Everywhere

Unencrypted connections expose credentials and session data.

What to do

• Force HTTPS for DSM and services

• Install a valid SSL certificate.

• Disable insecure legacy protocols

This protects both internal and remote users from interception attacks.

6. Apply Least-Privilege User Permissions

Over-permissioned accounts are a common cause of data exposure.

Best practices

• Grant users access only to the required shared folders.

• Avoid giving admin rights unless necessary.

• Use groups to simplify permission management.

Limiting privileges reduces the impact of compromised accounts.

7. Enable Security Advisor and Log Monitoring

Visibility is critical to prevention.

Security Advisor

• Run regular scans

• Apply recommended hardening steps.

• Monitor configuration drift

Log Center

• Review login attempts

• Watch for unusual access patterns.

• Retain logs for investigation and compliance.

Synology-Focused Security Solution Overview

Synology designs DiskStation Manager (DSM) with layered security controls that work together with firewall rules, account protection, encryption, logging, and system hardening tools. When properly configured, these features significantly reduce the NAS attack surface without requiring third-party security software. Synology’s approach allows businesses to enforce strong security policies while maintaining centralized management, visibility, and operational simplicity across their storage environment.

8. Keep DSM and Packages Updated

Outdated software remains one of the top causes of breaches.

Best practices

• Enable update notifications

• Apply security updates promptly.

• Review package compatibility before upgrades

Security updates often patch vulnerabilities that are actively exploited in the wild.

9. Secure Remote Access Methods

Remote access is a major risk if misconfigured.

Safer approaches

• Use VPNs instead of exposing DSM ports.

• Restrict QuickConnect usage by role.

• Apply MFA and firewall rules to all remote paths

Remote convenience should never override security.

How Epis Technology Helps Secure Synology NAS Environments

Security configuration can be complex in real-world business environments. Epis Technology helps organizations design and implement secure Synology NAS deployments aligned with operational and compliance requirements. The team audits existing configurations, hardens authentication and access controls, and implements firewall, monitoring, and backup safeguards. Epis Technology also ensures security settings integrate cleanly with broader IT infrastructure, reducing risk while preserving usability and performance.

Common Security Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving default admin accounts enabled

• Exposing DSM directly to the internet

• Ignoring failed login alerts

• Granting excessive user permissions

• Delaying critical updates

Avoiding these mistakes significantly lowers breach risk.

Synology NAS devices are powerful and flexible, but security depends on configuration, not defaults. By enabling essential security settings, businesses can protect their data from modern threats while maintaining reliable access for users and administrators.

When combined with expert planning and support from Epis Technology, Synology NAS systems can serve as secure, resilient foundations for business data storage and continuity.

About Epis Technology

Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, data protection, and Synology consulting services. The company specializes in secure NAS deployments, hybrid cloud integration, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, fully managed PC backups, and business continuity planning. Epis Technology helps businesses protect, manage, and optimize their data environments with confidence.