Synology Active Directory Permissions Explained
Understanding Synology Active Directory Permissions
Managing user access and permissions is a critical part of maintaining a secure IT environment. In many organizations, Active Directory (AD) serves as the central system for authentication and user management. When a Synology NAS is integrated with Active Directory, administrators can use existing AD accounts and groups to control access to files, folders, and network resources.
This integration simplifies identity management while ensuring consistent access policies across servers, workstations, and storage systems. Understanding how permissions work in this environment helps organizations maintain secure and well-organized data access.
What Active Directory Integration Means for Synology
Active Directory is a directory service used in many enterprise environments to manage users, devices, and security policies. When a Synology NAS joins an Active Directory domain, it becomes part of that centralized authentication system.
Instead of creating separate NAS accounts, administrators can assign access permissions using domain users and groups already defined in Active Directory.
This approach allows users to log in to the NAS using their existing corporate credentials while maintaining consistent access controls across the network.
How Synology Handles AD Permissions
Once a NAS is joined to a domain, administrators can assign permissions to domain users or domain groups just as they would with local NAS accounts. These permissions control what users can do within shared folders and files.
The main permission levels typically include:
Read access – users can view and download files but cannot modify them
Write access – users can create, edit, and delete files
No access – users cannot view or open the folder
Using groups rather than individual user permissions is considered best practice because it simplifies management and reduces administrative workload.
Shared Folder Permissions
Shared folders are the primary way files are stored and accessed on a Synology NAS. When Active Directory integration is enabled, administrators can assign permissions to AD groups directly within the DSM interface.
For example, a company might create shared folders for departments such as Finance, Marketing, or Engineering. Each folder can then be restricted so that only members of the appropriate AD group can access the data.
This structure helps enforce organizational access policies while keeping sensitive information protected.
NTFS and Advanced Permission Controls
In addition to basic shared folder permissions, Synology also supports advanced permission models similar to those used in Windows environments. These permissions allow administrators to control access at a more granular level.
Advanced permissions may include:
Allowing users to modify files but not delete them
Granting access only to specific subfolders
Restricting file execution or creation permissions
This level of control is particularly useful in environments where multiple teams collaborate on shared resources but require different access privileges.
Using Group-Based Access Control
Group-based access control is one of the most effective ways to manage permissions within Active Directory environments.
Instead of assigning permissions to individual users, administrators create AD groups representing departments, roles, or project teams. These groups are then granted access to specific NAS folders.
When employees join or leave a department, administrators only need to update the group membership in Active Directory rather than modifying permissions directly on the NAS.
This approach simplifies administration and reduces the risk of configuration errors.
Managing Permissions Through DSM
Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface provides tools for managing Active Directory permissions easily. Administrators can view domain users and groups directly within DSM and assign access rights using a graphical interface.
Changes to permissions are applied immediately, allowing administrators to control access quickly when employees change roles or require temporary access to certain resources.
DSM also supports auditing and logging features that help track user activity and identify potential security issues.
Security Benefits of AD Integration
Integrating Synology NAS with Active Directory improves security in several ways. First, it eliminates the need for separate user account databases, reducing the chance of inconsistent authentication policies.
Second, centralized identity management ensures that password policies, account lockout rules, and authentication requirements remain consistent across systems.
Finally, administrators can quickly disable access for former employees or compromised accounts directly through Active Directory without needing to modify NAS configurations individually.
Best Practices for Permission Management
To maintain a secure and efficient environment, organizations should follow several best practices when managing NAS permissions.
Using AD groups rather than individual users helps simplify access management. Limiting administrative privileges reduces the risk of accidental data modification. Regular permission audits ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data.
Organizations should also combine permission management with other security features such as multi-factor authentication and network access controls.
About Epis Technology
Epis Technology helps organizations implement secure Synology NAS environments integrated with enterprise identity systems. By designing access control strategies based on Active Directory groups, the company ensures that businesses can manage permissions efficiently while maintaining strong security policies.
Epis Technology also provides services that include NAS deployment, backup architecture design, and data protection planning. These solutions help organizations maintain secure, scalable storage infrastructures.