Using strong passwords is the first step to ensuring your NAS is secure. This is important because hackers often use a trial-and-error method to guess passwords and credentials.
Also, keeping its firmware and bundled software updated with security patches is crucial. Outdated software harbors vulnerabilities that cyber-attackers are constantly trying to exploit.
Encryption
NAS encryption is one of the top solutions to secure data from unauthorized access. It renders files unreadable without a key and helps protect confidential data, intellectual properties, PII, etc. NAS encryption also supports compliance with regulatory and governance bodies such as HIPAA and GDPR. Investing in NAS security is investing in your peace of mind, data privacy, and overall digital well-being. You can reduce the risks of a vulnerable NAS by implementing security measures such as strong passwords, firmware updates, and extra security protocols.
Default passwords, such as “admin” and simple combinations of three unrelated words, are among the most common and most accessible credentials for attackers. It is recommended to change all default login credentials and replace them with new, strong passwords consisting of a mix of letters, numbers, symbols, and punctuation marks.
The passwords should be at least 12 characters long. Using 2-step authentication (2FA) to log in to a NAS is another crucial security measure that offers an extra layer of protection. Authentication options include time-based one-time passwords, QR code scanning, and login approval.
It is essential to keep firmware up to date to fix known vulnerabilities and security loopholes. Businesses can keep their NAS secure with little effort by enabling the option to update firmware automatically.
Firewall
NAS devices contain confidential data, including credit card information, intellectual property, medical records, and personally identifiable information (PII). They can be compromised by cybercriminals using digital tools to exploit weak passwords or brute force attacks. Encryption prevents unauthorized access by making the data unreadable to attackers. Adding a firewall helps protect your NAS from a wide variety of common threats, and many NAS devices have built-in firewalls, so be sure to enable them.
Firewalls also block unauthorized connections and can be configured to automatically block IP addresses after a set number of failed login attempts. You can also configure account protection rules and lockouts to limit your NAS’s exposure.
Keep the firmware of your NAS and any bundled software up to date with security patches and bug fixes. Attackers quickly exploit vulnerabilities, so updating your NAS regularly will make it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. It’s also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security that requires a PIN code to log in and will block unauthorized login attempts if you forget your password.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) protection
NAS devices are inherently connected to your network and the internet, so they’re susceptible to the same threats as computers, tablets, and smartphones. While NAS systems offer an excellent solution for business data storage, keeping them protected from hackers and other security threats is essential.
Ensure your NAS is adequately secured by following best practices, including using strong passwords, enabling 2-step authentication, and updating firmware regularly to add new security features. Having data backups and practicing a disaster recovery plan are also essential.
Keeping your NAS updated will add layers of defenses that can be activated at the touch of a button, including blocking suspicious connections, changing default ports, and enabling SSL. These are all easy to activate in the settings menu and will significantly improve your NAS’s security.
Ultimately, your data can never be 100% safe from attacks. Even with the most comprehensive NAS security measures, cyberattackers can still breach passwords with digital tools and leverage employee workplace policies to steal sensitive information and reroute it to their unauthorized networks.
Authentication
While password hacks aren’t always preventable, implementing several more comprehensive steps can make it significantly more difficult for attackers to breach NAS systems. One should use snapshot technology to backup and restore data, create a disaster recovery plan such as QNAP’s 3-2-1 backup strategy, keep up to date with firmware updates, and enable authentication features like IP access protection.
Changing default passwords to a more potent combination of three unrelated words connected by punctuation symbols or numbers is recommended. IT and storage administrators should also consider removing the default administrator account and any accounts that allow logging in or connecting to the NAS device.
Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication can help strengthen NAS security. This feature enhances security by requiring users to verify their identity with a mobile device PIN code at every login. Finally, consider enabling geoblocking to block connections from specific countries or regions that might not be legitimate. NAS manufacturers typically provide detailed instructions on activating these types of features.
Remote access
While a NAS can be made more secure through hardware and software-based measures, data is always vulnerable to theft and destruction. Teams can mitigate the risk of physical damage and cyber attacks by implementing security best practices, such as minimizing access from unknown sources, using snapshot technology for backup and recovery, following a 3-2-1 rule with three copies on two different mediums, and storing passwords in a password manager.
Default administrator passwords on NAS devices are among the easiest to crack and should be changed. It’s also recommended to block ports not used for communication and connection protocols and enable account protection rules like lockouts after a set number of failed login attempts.
Another important measure is to ensure NAS firmware updates are completed regularly. Updating the firmware can close known vulnerabilities and prevent many cyber attacks. It should be enabled if the NAS offers a setting that allows users to automate firmware updates. Otherwise, a manual update should be initiated. It will protect against common threats, including ransomware and other malware infections.
