Synology Security Checkup: Protect Your Business Data
Synology Security Checkup: How to Keep Your Data Safe
A Synology NAS is a powerful tool for storage, backups, and business operations, but like any connected device, it must be secured properly. Cyberattacks, ransomware, unauthorized access attempts, and misconfigurations can put your data at risk if your NAS is not regularly checked and updated. A Synology security checkup ensures your system remains protected, stable, and aligned with best practices, keeping your business data safe at all times.
This guide explains essential steps for strengthening your Synology NAS security and ensuring long-term protection.
Why Synology Security Matters
Synology devices store sensitive business files, backups, application data, and sometimes even surveillance footage. A security breach can lead to:
Data theft or loss
Ransomware attacks
Downtime and business interruptions
Compliance violations
Loss of customer trust
Regular security checkups reduce these risks and maintain optimal protection across your entire storage environment.
Step 1: Keep DSM and Packages Updated
Updates are your first line of defense. Synology releases security patches and feature enhancements regularly.
Checklist:
Enable automatic DSM updates (recommended for security fixes).
Update installed applications through Package Center.
Replace unsupported or outdated packages.
Outdated software is one of the most common attack vectors for cybercriminals.
Step 2: Strengthen Account Security
User accounts and permissions play a major role in securing your NAS.
Best practices:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all admin accounts.
Use strong, unique passwords.
Disable the default “admin” user.
Enforce the principle of least privilege, give users only the access they truly need.
These steps greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Step 3: Configure the Built-In Firewall
Synology’s DSM firewall lets you control which IP addresses and services can access your NAS.
Firewall recommendations:
Allow access only from trusted IP ranges.
Close unused ports.
Restrict remote access as much as possible.
Use VPN for secure remote connections.
A properly configured firewall prevents most external intrusion attempts.
Step 4: Enable Security Advisor and Threat Prevention
Synology provides built-in security tools to detect vulnerabilities and suspicious activity.
Use these tools regularly:
Security Advisor: Scans for weak passwords, misconfigurations, outdated settings, and security holes.
Threat Prevention (on supported models): Monitors and blocks malicious traffic in real time.
Antivirus Essential/Plus: Provides basic protection against known malware threats.
Scheduling regular scans ensures ongoing security oversight.
Step 5: Harden Remote Access
Remote access is often necessary, but it must be configured safely.
Recommendations:
Use Synology’s VPN Server instead of exposing DSM directly to the internet.
Disable insecure ports such as 5000/5001 unless protected behind reverse proxies or firewalls.
Enable HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate.
Configure auto-block to stop repeated failed login attempts.
These precautions limit exposure to external threats.
Step 6: Protect Your Data With Backups and Snapshots
Security involves more than preventing attacks; it requires preparing for recovery as well.
Synology tools to enable:
Snapshot Replication for ransomware-resistant restore points.
Hyper Backup for NAS-to-cloud or NAS-to-NAS backups.
Active Backup for Business for endpoint and server protection.
If data becomes corrupted, encrypted, or deleted, backups provide a safe path to restore operations.
Step 7: Review Network and Service Configurations
Audit your NAS regularly to confirm only necessary services are active.
Key checks:
Disable unused services (e.g., FTP, Telnet).
Verify SMB, NFS, and AFP settings follow secure versions and protocols.
Review which devices and applications have access permissions.
A minimal-attack-surface approach is crucial for long-term security.
How Epis Technology Helps Secure Your Synology Environment
Epis Technology provides expert Synology consulting to help organizations maintain strong security across their storage infrastructure. The team performs comprehensive security audits, updates DSM configurations, hardens network and firewall settings, and implements best practices for account security, encryption, and backup strategies. Epis Technology also configures ransomware-resistant snapshots, off-site backups, and ongoing monitoring to detect potential vulnerabilities early. With professional guidance, businesses gain a fully optimized and secure Synology environment that protects critical data while supporting high performance and scalability.
A Safer Synology Experience Starts With Regular Checkups
A Synology security checkup is not a one-time task; it is an ongoing process that keeps your NAS protected from evolving threats. By updating software, strengthening access controls, enabling security tools, and maintaining robust backup practices, your organization can ensure long-term data safety and operational stability.
About Epis Technology
Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, Synology consulting, and data protection solutions for organizations of all sizes. The company specializes in secure Synology deployments, hybrid cloud integrations, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, and disaster recovery planning. Through expert configuration, optimization, and security hardening, Epis Technology ensures your Synology NAS environment remains fast, secure, and always ready to support business operations.