Protect Your Synology NAS From Ransomware & Malware
Securing Your Synology NAS Against Ransomware Threats
Ransomware and malware attacks increasingly target NAS devices because they store valuable data and backups in one place. A single misconfiguration can expose files to encryption, deletion, or exfiltration. The good news is that a Synology NAS includes strong defenses when configured correctly.
This guide explains practical, step-by-step measures to protect your Synology NAS from ransomware and malware, focusing on prevention, containment, and recovery.
Why NAS Devices Are Prime Targets
Attackers focus on NAS systems because they often:
Run 24/7 and are reachable remotely.
Hold centralized file shares and backups.
Use default settings longer than the servers.
Common attack paths include compromised credentials, exposed services, outdated software, and infected client devices that spread malware to shared folders.
Step 1: Lock Down Accounts and Permissions
Start by reducing the attack surface.
Best practices
Disable the default admin account.
Create named admin accounts with strong passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication for all admins.
Apply least-privilege permissions on shared folders.
Ransomware typically executes with the permissions of the infected user. Restricting write access limits damage.
Step 2: Enable Snapshots and Immutable Recovery
Snapshots are one of the most effective ransomware defenses.
What to do
Enable snapshots on all shared folders.
Schedule frequent snapshots
Set retention policies that prevent immediate deletion
Snapshots allow fast rollback to clean versions, even if files are encrypted by malware.
Step 3: Use a Proper Backup Strategy
Snapshots are not backups. You need both.
Follow the 3-2-1 rule.
Three copies of data
Two different storage types
One copy offsite or offline
Back up your NAS to another NAS, external storage, or a secure cloud destination. Ensure backups are not writable by normal users.
Step 4: Harden Network Access
Limit how the NAS is exposed.
Key actions
Disable unused services and ports
Avoid exposing DSM directly to the internet.
Use VPN for remote access.
Enable the built-in firewall and geo-blocking.
Reducing exposure dramatically lowers the chance of automated attacks.
Step 5: Keep DSM and Packages Updated
Outdated software is a common entry point.
Recommendations
Enable automatic DSM updates where appropriate.
Regularly update installed packages.
Remove packages you no longer use
Security patches close vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Step 6: Monitor and Detect Suspicious Activity
Early detection limits impact.
Enable
Login attempt alerts
File change notifications on sensitive shares
Access logs and connection monitoring
Watch for sudden mass file changes, failed login spikes, or unknown IP access.
Step 7: Protect Client Devices
Many NAS infections start on endpoints.
Reduce risk by
Keeping PCs and Macs patched
Using endpoint protection software
Limiting mapped drives where possible
A clean NAS can still be affected by an infected client with write access.
Synology-Focused Security Capabilities
Synology designs DiskStation Manager with layered security controls. Features like snapshot replication, granular permissions, built-in firewalls, secure authentication, and backup integrations work together to reduce ransomware impact. When properly configured, these tools allow rapid recovery without paying ransoms and help isolate threats before they spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying on snapshots without off-site backups
Leaving admin accounts exposed
Opening the DSM to the internet without protection
Ignoring alerts and logs
Using the same credentials everywhere
Avoiding these mistakes is as important as enabling protections.
How Epis Technology Helps Secure NAS Environments
Epis Technology helps organizations design and deploy ransomware-resilient Synology NAS environments. The team configures snapshots, backup isolation, access controls, VPNs, and monitoring aligned to real-world threat models. Epis Technology also performs security audits, tests recovery workflows, and helps organizations meet compliance requirements while keeping data accessible.
Protecting a Synology NAS from ransomware and malware requires a layered approach. Strong authentication, limited permissions, snapshots, reliable backups, and network hardening together form an effective defense. No single setting is enough on its own.
With the right configuration and expert support from Epis Technology, your Synology NAS can remain secure, resilient, and recoverable even in the face of modern ransomware threats.
About Epis Technology
Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, data protection, and Synology consulting services. The company specializes in NAS security, backup architecture, hybrid cloud integration, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, fully managed PC backups, and business continuity planning. Epis Technology helps organizations protect critical data and recover quickly from cyber incidents.