In an age where data is as valuable as gold, having a secure, reliable and easy-to-access file sharing solution is paramount. For businesses and individuals alike, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system can be an ideal solution. Among the various options available, Synology NAS stands out due to the robustness, versatility, and user-friendliness it offers. This article will walk you through the steps to set up a secure file sharing solution using Synology NAS.
Why Choose Synology NAS?
Before we delve into the steps to set up a secure file sharing solution, let’s first understand why Synology NAS is a viable option. NAS is a dedicated device connected to a network, which allows multiple users and varying client devices to retrieve data from centralized disk capacity. Users on a local network access the NAS via a wired connection, while those on the internet can do so via a cloud service.
Synology, a leader in the NAS market, offers systems that are secure, scalable, and capable of supporting a myriad of applications, from Plex media servers to virtual machines. The DiskStation Manager (DSM), Synology’s operating system, features an intuitive user interface, robust data protection features, and the ability to access and share files seamlessly across Windows, MacOS, and other platforms.
Setting Up Your Synology NAS
Setting up your Synology NAS is a fairly straightforward process. You will need your Synology NAS device, a network (Ethernet) cable, a power adapter, and a device to access the DSM, such as a Windows or macOS computer.
- Hardware Setup: First, install the hard drive(s) in the NAS. Then, connect the NAS to your router using the network cable and plug in the power adapter. Turn on the NAS.
- Software Setup: On your computer, open a web browser and enter “find.synology.com” in the address bar. This will locate your NAS on the network. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install the DSM.
- Creating Your Volume: A volume is essentially a storage space where your data will be stored. Within the DSM, go to ‘Storage Manager’ > ‘Volume’ > ‘Create’. Follow the prompts to choose the RAID type and select the hard drives to include in the volume.
Configuring Access and User Accounts
Once your Synology NAS is set up, the next step is to configure access and user accounts. This is crucial for maintaining security and control over who can access what files on your NAS.
- Creating User Accounts: In the DSM, navigate to ‘Control Panel’ > ‘User’. Click ‘Create’ to add a new user. You can assign each user different permissions, giving you control over who has access to what data.
- Setting Up Shared Folders: Shared folders are the main directories where files are stored. Go to ‘Control Panel’ > ‘Shared Folder’. Click ‘Create’ to make a new shared folder and set its permissions.
- Setting Up File Services: This allows users to access the shared folders via their preferred operating system (Windows, MacOS, etc.). Navigate to ‘Control Panel’ > ‘File Services’. Here, you can enable the SMB/AFP/NFS service for Windows/Mac/Linux access, respectively.
Implementing Data Protection Measures
A key advantage of using a Synology NAS is the robust data protection features it offers. These include snapshots, a versioning system that efficiently saves file versions without taking up much storage space, and Hyper Backup, a multi-version backup tool.
- Setting Up Snapshots: Go to ‘Storage Manager’ > ‘Snapshot Replication’. You can schedule snapshots to be taken at regular intervals. Remember, snapshots require a Btrfs file system.
- Setting Up Hyper Backup: Navigate to ‘Package Center’ and install Hyper Backup. Then, open the application and select a destination for your backups. This could be a local shared folder, an external drive, or a cloud service.
Setting Up Cloud Access with QuickConnect
For those who want to access their files on the go, Synology offers a feature called QuickConnect. This allows you to access your Synology NAS via the internet without complicated router configuration.
To set up QuickConnect, go to the DSM’s ‘Control Panel’ > ‘QuickConnect’. Check “Enable QuickConnect”, click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts to create a QuickConnect ID. Once set up, you can access your files from anywhere by entering your QuickConnect ID in the Synology mobile apps or web portal.
Remember, while Synology NAS offers a high level of security, it’s always advisable to ensure your router is also secure, use strong, unique passwords for your user accounts, and regularly update your DSM and installed packages to the latest versions. By following these steps, setting up a secure file sharing solution using Synology NAS should be a breeze.
Implementing Additional Security and Access Features
After setting up the basic features of your Synology NAS, you can enhance your system’s security and access capabilities by enabling additional features. These include reverse proxy, port forwarding, and cloud sync options.
- Setting Up Reverse Proxy: Reverse proxy can be used to redirect incoming connections to different servers based on the inbound request. This can be beneficial in managing multiple services on your NAS. To set it up, go to the DSM’s ‘Control Panel’ > ‘Application Portal’ > ‘Reverse Proxy’. Then, click ‘Create’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Configuring Port Forwarding: Port forwarding allows remote devices to connect to a specific computer or service within a private local-area network (LAN). To configure it, you’d need to access your router settings. The process varies depending on your router model, but generally, it involves enabling port forwarding and specifying the port number that the Synology NAS is connected to.
- Enabling Cloud Sync: Synology NAS can sync with many popular cloud storage services, providing an extra layer of data protection and allowing remote access to your files. To enable it, navigate to ‘Package Center’, install ‘Cloud Sync’, and add your preferred cloud service.
NAS and File Explorer Integration
For added convenience, you can integrate your Synology NAS with your preferred file explorer – be it Windows Explorer or macOS Finder. This lets you access and manage your NAS files directly from your desktop.
On Windows, open ‘File Explorer’ and select ‘This PC’. Click on ‘Map network drive’ and enter the path to your shared folders on the NAS. On macOS, open ‘Finder’, select ‘Go’ from the top menu, and choose ‘Connect to Server’. Then, enter the path to your shared folders.
Whether you’re a business looking for a robust file sharing solution or an individual seeking a secure way to store and access personal files, Synology NAS offers a powerful, user-friendly and versatile solution. With features like shared folders, QuickConnect for remote access, solid data protection measures including Hyper Backup, and compatibility with Windows, MacOS, and other platforms, it stands as a top choice in the NAS drive market.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be well-equipped to set up a secure file sharing solution using Synology NAS. Remember to take advantage of the additional security and access features, and integrate the NAS with your preferred file explorer for easier file management. And, while Synology NAS offers robust security features, it’s essential to keep your system updated, use strong, unique passwords, and ensure your network router is secure.
With Synology NAS, you’ll enjoy a high-level data protection, easy remote access, and a seamless file sharing experience, whether you’re at home or on the go. Prioritize your data security and file sharing efficiency with Synology NAS today.
