Synology NAS Setup Guide Tips

Creating a personal server at home or in the workplace has transitioned from being a novelty to an essential practice. As time marches on, your collection of files and documents will inevitably grow. While various streaming services cater to movies and music, the need to store personal backups remains undeniable. Enthusiasts of music and photography, in particular, often accumulate a wealth of uncompressed files in varying sizes. In such scenarios, a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device becomes a vital solution.

For corporate environments, cloud storage tools like Google Drive or OneDrive are undeniably convenient. However, they often fall short when multiple colleagues need swift, simultaneous access. In these cases, deploying a personal server is an astute choice.

Recently, I encountered an issue with one of the 2-bay NAS devices at work, prompting a necessary upgrade. This presented an opportunity to delve into key considerations for NAS setup and configuration.

Why Opt for NAS? Exploring 2-Bay and 4-Bay Options

Most NAS devices are designed with two drive bays, prioritizing data redundancy and security. A 2-bay NAS typically houses two hard drives, enabling data recovery if one drive fails. However, the storage capacity is inherently limited by the two-bay design. For users requiring expanded storage, 4-bay NAS devices are a popular alternative. With additional slots, these models accommodate more hard drives, catering to diverse storage needs.

Three Key Steps to Configure Your NAS

Though setting up a NAS involves numerous details, here are three critical configurations to prioritize:

1. Change the Default Port Settings

If you're using a Synology NAS, the default ports are 5000 (HTTP) and 5001 (HTTPS). These ports are widely known and may expose your system to potential cyberattacks. To bolster security, replace the default settings with custom port numbers.

2. Enable and Customize the Firewall

NAS devices come with a built-in firewall, but it often needs fine-tuning for enhanced security. Synology assigns specific ports based on the applications you use, allowing access through your router. For added protection:

• Assign specific ports to essential NAS services.
• Disable unnecessary ports.
• Restrict access to trusted IP addresses only, minimizing the risk of unauthorized connections.

This tailored firewall configuration safeguards your NAS against unwanted access while ensuring seamless functionality.

3. Install Antivirus Software

Since NAS devices often operate 24/7, storing critical personal or corporate data, they are prime targets for cyber threats. Installing antivirus software is non-negotiable. Synology offers two antivirus options:

• A free official version.
• A paid version by McAfee.

While the free version is generally sufficient, regular updates and scans are crucial to maintaining a secure and stable NAS environment.

Final Thoughts

Configuring a NAS involves more than just connecting hardware. Regular updates to both the software and security protocols ensure your NAS remains a reliable and secure storage solution. For now, these three steps form the foundation of a well-configured NAS system. In the future, I’ll share additional tips and recommend useful packages to enhance your NAS experience.