How to Secure Your Synology NAS from Ransomware

A Synology NAS can hold family photos, business records, accounting files and shared documents in one convenient location. That central role also makes it an attractive target for ransomware, which can encrypt files, delete backups and disrupt daily operations.

Good protection relies on layers rather than a single setting. Strong accounts, timely updates, restricted access, snapshots and offline backups can greatly reduce the damage caused by malware or a compromised password.

The approach suits Australian homes and small businesses, whether the NAS sits in a Sydney study, a Melbourne office or a Brisbane workshop. It also needs to account for NBN-connected networks, remote work and the practical limits of local internet upload speeds.

Start With Secure Accounts

Create a separate administrator account for setup and maintenance, then use standard accounts for everyday work. Disable the default admin account, require long unique passwords and activate two-factor authentication through Synology’s security settings.

Review shared folders and user permissions carefully. Staff should only access the files required for their role, while family members may need access to photos but not business documents. If payroll records are stored on the NAS, keep them in a restricted folder and consider specialist payroll services for sensitive processing.

Remove old users promptly when employees leave or contractors finish. A forgotten account can remain an easy entry point long after its legitimate purpose has ended.

Keep DSM and Packages Updated

Synology’s DiskStation Manager, or DSM, and its installed packages should be updated regularly. Security patches can address weaknesses in file-sharing services, web applications and remote access tools.

Enable automatic updates where appropriate, but schedule reboots outside trading hours. A small retailer in Perth or Adelaide may prefer updates overnight so point-of-sale files and shared invoices remain available during opening hours.

Uninstall packages that are no longer needed. Every active application creates another potential attack surface, especially if it exposes a web interface or accepts connections from the internet.

Limit Internet Exposure

Avoid forwarding DSM, SMB or other administration ports directly from the router to the NAS. Use a properly configured VPN for remote access, and restrict management access to trusted devices where possible.

QuickConnect can be convenient, but it should be used with strong authentication and sensible access controls. Disable services that are not required, including public file-sharing links with indefinite lifetimes.

A secure local network also matters. For offices upgrading cabling, understanding the differences between Cat6, Cat6A and other Ethernet options can help when separating NAS traffic, workstations and guest Wi-Fi.

Use Snapshots and Version History

Snapshots can restore earlier versions of files after ransomware encrypts the current copies. On supported Synology models and file systems, Snapshot Replication can provide frequent recovery points with relatively low storage overhead.

Configure a schedule that matches the business. Hourly snapshots may suit active design or accounting folders, while daily snapshots could be sufficient for household documents. Keep enough historical versions to cover the period when an infection might remain unnoticed.

Snapshots are useful, but they are not a complete backup. Malware with high privileges may attempt to delete them, and a failed NAS, theft or electrical event can affect all data stored on the device.

Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Principle

Maintain at least three copies of important data, on two different types of storage, with one copy offline or off-site. A USB drive rotated away from the NAS can provide a simple offline layer for home users.

Hyper Backup can send encrypted copies to another NAS, cloud storage or compatible external destinations. Test restoration rather than assuming that a successful backup notification means every important file is usable.

For an Australian business, an encrypted off-site copy can protect against burglary, fire and local hardware failure. Consider where a cloud provider stores data and whether its retention, privacy and recovery costs suit the business.

Detect Unusual Activity Quickly

Enable notifications for failed logins, configuration changes, storage errors and unusual backup events. A sudden increase in file modifications may indicate ransomware or a compromised account.

Synology’s security tools can scan for suspicious activity, but monitoring should also include endpoint computers. Keep Windows, macOS, browsers and antivirus software current, since ransomware often reaches network storage through an infected laptop rather than attacking the NAS directly.

Use separate network segments for guest devices and smart-home equipment. A basic router setup guide can help with network setup basics, although business environments may need VLANs and firewall rules configured by an experienced technician.

Build a Recovery Routine

Write down the steps for isolating an infected computer, disabling a user account and disconnecting the NAS from the network. Do not immediately wipe the device, because logs and forensic evidence may help identify the source of the incident.

Practise restoring a sample folder every few months. Confirm that permissions, file names and timestamps return correctly, and record how long a full recovery would take over an Australian NBN connection.

Practical Protection Checklist

Use these measures as a regular maintenance routine:

A Synology NAS is safest when it is treated as one part of a broader security system. Strong identity controls stop many account attacks, restricted network access reduces exposure, and independent backups provide a path back when prevention fails. The key point to remember is simple: a snapshot may save yesterday’s files, but a tested, isolated backup is what protects the business when ransomware reaches the network.