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Common attack paths include compromised credentials, exposed services, outdated software, and infected client devices that spread malware to shared folders. Read how to protect your Synology NAS from ransomware

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. Learn how immutable snapshots protect NAS data from ransomware attacks

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. See how to build a strong backup strategy for data protection

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. Learn how DSM updates improve security and protect business NAS systems

• 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. Learn how managed backups improve resilience against ransomware and data loss

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.