By Madison Pagi
In our digital ecosystem, Synology NAS devices have become pillars of data management, both for individuals and businesses. However, this centralization attracts cybercriminals who target these devices with ransomware, malicious software that encrypts data and then demands a ransom for its release.
The impact of a successful ransomware attack can be devastating, resulting in data loss, operational disruption, and financial damage. As these attacks become more sophisticated, defending your NAS requires a comprehensive security strategy.
The main attack vectors
The most common attack vectors are well identified. Phishing remains the main entry point: a fraudulent email entices the user to click on a link or open an attachment, allowing the ransomware to spread to network shares.
Unpatched security flaws in the DSM system present another significant vulnerability. Cybercriminals actively scan for outdated systems with known vulnerabilities they can exploit to gain unauthorized access to your NAS.
Brute force attacks on poorly protected accounts complete the arsenal of hackers. Using automated tools, attackers can systematically attempt thousands of password combinations until they find the right one, especially if you’ve used weak credentials.
Essential protection measures
Protecting your Synology NAS relies on several essential pillars. First, proactive maintenance: keep your DSM system constantly updated to benefit from the latest security patches. Enabling automatic updates ensures you’re protected against recently discovered vulnerabilities.
Second, strengthen your access by using complex passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if credentials are compromised.
At the same time, limit your internet exposure by disabling non-essential services and favoring VPN connections for remote access. Each open port or service increases your attack surface, so only expose what’s absolutely necessary.
Regularly raising user awareness about phishing tactics is also essential. Human error remains one of the biggest security vulnerabilities, so education about recognizing suspicious emails and links can prevent many attacks before they begin.
Synology’s built-in security features
Synology integrates remarkable protection features. Immutable snapshots, available since DSM 7.2, allow you to create restoration points that cannot be modified or deleted for a defined period, even by an administrator. This ensures you always have a clean copy of your data to restore from.
WORM (Write Once Read Many) storage provides another layer of protection by making data immutable for a specified retention period. Once written, files cannot be modified or deleted until the retention period expires, preventing ransomware from encrypting your backups.
The Active Backup for Business suite completes this defensive arsenal by providing comprehensive backup solutions for your entire IT infrastructure. Regular, automated backups ensure you can recover quickly from any security incident without paying ransom.
Responding to an attack
If despite these precautions your NAS is compromised, react immediately: disconnect it from the network and restore your data from clean backups. Isolating the infected system prevents the ransomware from spreading to other devices on your network.
Document everything about the attack for forensic analysis and potential reporting to authorities. This includes timestamps, affected files, ransom notes, and any other relevant details that might help identify the attack vector.
Don’t give in to blackmail by paying the ransom – this action offers no guarantee and encourages the criminal cycle. Many victims who pay never receive decryption keys, or receive incomplete ones that only recover a portion of their data. Prefer contacting a specialized service in Synology ransomware recovery.
Conclusion
Synology NAS security requires a multi-layered approach combining human vigilance and defensive technologies. No single security measure is sufficient on its own, but together they create a robust defense system.
This combination, regularly reassessed and adapted, remains your best defense against an ever-evolving threat. By implementing proper backup strategies, access controls, and security features, you can enjoy the benefits of your Synology NAS while minimizing the risk of falling victim to ransomware attacks.
Remember that security is not a one-time setup but an ongoing process requiring regular attention and updates as new threats emerge and technologies evolve. Discover more in this article.
