Enhancing Data Security: Encrypt Individual Files and Folders on Synology NAS for Extra Protection
In today’s digital age, data security is a critical concern for individuals and businesses alike. With the increasing risk of cyber threats and data breaches, safeguarding sensitive information stored on network-attached storage (NAS) devices like Synology NAS is paramount. One effective way to bolster security and ensure confidentiality is by encrypting individual files and folders on your Synology NAS. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the importance of data encryption, the benefits it offers, and detailed steps on how to set up encryption on your Synology NAS for enhanced protection.
Importance of Data Protection through Encryption
Data encryption is the process of converting plain text information into a coded format that can only be deciphered with the correct decryption key. By encrypting your files and folders, you add an extra layer of security that prevents unauthorised access and protects your data from being compromised in the event of a security breach or theft. Encryption ensures that even if your NAS device is accessed by an unauthorised user, the encrypted data remains incomprehensible and safeguarded.
Benefits of Encrypting Files and Folders on Synology NAS
- Confidentiality: Encryption ensures that only authorised individuals with the decryption key can access sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality.
- Data Integrity: Encrypted data is protected from tampering or alteration, preserving its integrity and authenticity.
- Compliance: Encrypting data helps fulfil regulatory requirements and industry standards, ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
- Enhanced Security: Encryption adds an additional layer of security to your stored data, safeguarding it from potential threats.
Step-by-Step Guide to Encrypt Files and Folders on Synology NAS
- Access Synology DSM: Log in to your Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) web interface using your credentials.
- Open Control Panel: Navigate to ‘Control Panel’ and select ‘Shared Folder’.
- Choose Folder: Select the folder you want to encrypt and click ‘Edit’.
- Enable Encryption: Tick the ‘Encrypt this shared folder’ checkbox and set a strong encryption key.
- Apply Changes: Click ‘OK’ to apply the encryption settings to the selected folder.
- Monitor Encryption Progress: The encryption process may take some time depending on the size of the folder. Monitor the progress until completion.
- Access Encrypted Folder: Once encryption is complete, access the encrypted folder with the decryption key when prompted.
Tips for Maintaining a Secure Storage Environment
- Regular Backups: Create backups of your encrypted data to prevent data loss in case of unforeseen incidents.
- Update Encryption Keys: Periodically update your encryption keys to enhance security and mitigate risks.
- Limit Access: Restrict access to encrypted folders to authorised users only to minimise the risk of unauthorised access.
- Monitor Activity: Keep track of user activity and review access logs to detect any suspicious behaviour.
Importance of Professional IT Support Services for Synology DSM
For individuals and businesses seeking comprehensive IT support and maintenance services for their Synology NAS devices, partnering with a professional IT support provider can offer numerous benefits. IT support services specialised in Synology DSM can provide expert assistance in setting up encryption, ensuring data security, troubleshooting technical issues, and optimising performance. By engaging with experienced IT professionals, users can enhance the reliability, security, and efficiency of their Synology NAS environments.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing encryption on your Synology NAS, you can significantly improve the security of your stored data and protect it from potential threats. Remember, safeguarding your information is crucial in today’s digital landscape, and encryption is a powerful tool to fortify your data against unauthorised access and cyber risks.
DrayTek Vigor 2962 2.5Gb Ethernet Dual-WAN Broadband Firewall Router, 200 VPN Tunnels, 20 VLANS, QOS, Remote Management, Load Balancing
High Performance Multi-WAN Router - The Vigor 2962 makes full use of FTTP Fibre Broadband at up to 2.2Gbps throughput for single or multi-WAN configurations. With Quality of Service, Firewall and Content Filtering.
Buy Now on Amazon
NETGEAR Orbi Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK763S) , Mesh Router & 2 Extenders , Cover Every Room, Up To 6,000 Sq Ft , Improve WiFi Speeds up to 5.4 Gbps & 75 devices , Simple App Set Up
WiFI mesh coverage of up to 6,000 sq ft and up to 75 devices, With each satellite (sold separately) you can extend the range by up to 2,000 sq ft
Buy Now on Amazon
DrayTek Vigor 2865Lax-5G Ethernet Router, WiFi 6 AX3000 Wireless and 5G Failover, Integrated 5G Modem, 5+1 GbE LAN Ports with VLANs, VDSL
VDSL and Ethernet Load Balancer - Connect the Vigor 2865 to Superfast Fibre with the integrated VDSL modem. Use the Ethernet WAN with Cable and Ultrafast FTTP. Load Balance multiple connections to boost performance.
Buy Now on Amazon
TP-Link Archer BE550 Router WiFi 7 BE9300Mbps, Tri-Band WiFi Router, 2.5G Ports,USB Port,Maximized Coverage,VPN Router, Parental Control, HomeShield Security, Private IoT Network,Easy Setup,EasyMesh
Wi-Fi 7 Routers: With powerful Wi-Fi 7 performance, lightning-fast wired connections, and brand-new design
Buy Now on Amazon
QNAP TS-253A-4G 2 Bay NAS Enclosure with 4GB RAM - Black (GDPR Compliant)
NAS and iSCSI-SAN unified storage solution for server virtualization
Buy Now on Amazon
WD 16TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra 2-bay NAS - Network Attached Storage RAID, file sync, streaming, media server, with WD Red drives
Centralised network storage: Organise your entire media collection, photos and files in one central, network location
Buy Now on Amazon
Synology DX517 5 Bay Desktop Network Attached Storage Expansion Enclosure, Black
Online volume expansion
Buy Now on Amazon
QNAP TS-431XeU-8G 4 Bay Short-depth Rackmount NAS Enclosure with 10GbE SFP+ & 8GB RAM
The short depth design is suitable for installing in smaller racks or space-constrained locations
Buy Now on Amazon
Seagate 10 TB IronWolf NAS 3.5 Inch Hard Drive ST10000VN0008 (SATA 6 Gb/s/256 MB/7200 RPM)
Model Number: ST10000VN0008
Buy Now on Amazon
QNAP TS-673A-8G 6 Bay Desktop NAS Enclosure - 8GB RAM, AMD Ryzen Quad-core 2.2 GHz Processor - with 2.5GbE connectivity & supporting PCIe expansion
8GB DDR4 RAM (2 x SODIMM slots, max. 64GB, optional ECC RAM support)
Buy Now on Amazon
Synology DS1621+ 48TB 6 Bay Desktop NAS Solution, installed with 6 x 8TB Western Digital Red Plus Drives
Accelerated Performance: 174% higher 4K random read IOPS and 76% faster sequential write speeds compared to its predecessor
Buy Now on Amazon
Synology DS1823xs+ 8 Bay NAS Desktop: High-Performance Storage Solution
Powerful Performance - Over 3,100/2,600 MB/s sequential read/write throughput and over 173,100/80,800 random read/write IOPS2 support heavier applications
Buy Now on Amazon