Use Synology NAS as a Personal Cloud for Safe and Secure Data Storage

As we grow in our digital lives, so does the need for a smarter and safer way to store personal and professional data. For that, you might have considered some popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and others. But they all come with limitations like subscription costs, data privacy concerns, and storage restrictions.

If you are looking for a more secure, flexible, and cost-effective alternative, the Synology NAS personal cloud might just be what you want!

Synology NAS lets you create your own personal cloud. A private, centralised storage system that you can fully control. Whether you are a home user wanting a secure place to back up your family photos or a remote worker needing access to important files from anywhere, Synology provides the tools to safely store, access, and manage your data with ease.

Setting up a personal cloud with NAS offers unmatched control, privacy, and flexibility—far beyond what public cloud storage services can provide.

In this guide, we will explore how you can use Synology NAS as a personal cloud for safe and secure data storage. We will walk you through how to configure Synology NAS, set it up for secure remote access, and expand your setup with the right accessories. So let’s get started!

How to Set Up Synology NAS for Personal Cloud Use:

Setting up a Synology NAS personal cloud may sound very difficult, but it is easier than it sounds. Thanks to Synology’s intuitive DiskStation Manager (DSM), the setup process becomes amazingly easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with your Synology NAS setup:

Initial Hardware Setup:

For the first step, you need to set up the initial hardware for your Synology NAS. For that:

• Unbox and Install Drives: Insert the compatible hard drives into the NAS bays. Synology supports both HDDs and SSDs. Using SSDs with your NAS can be a great idea to improve the speed and performance.

Check out our complete guide to improve your Synology NAS performance with the right SSD.

• Connect to Network: Once you have installed the drives, plug in your NAS using an Ethernet cable to your router or via a Netgear switch for extended network setups.

• Power On: Turn on the NAS and wait for it to initialise.

Access DiskStation Manager (DSM):

After the initial hardware setup, use a browser to visit find.synology.com or enter your NAS IP address. The DSM is the best way to set up Synology NAS easily. Once there, follow the DSM installation wizard to install the latest firmware and set up admin credentials for your NAS server.

Create Storage Volumes:

Now, use the Storage Manager to configure your RAID type and create storage volumes as per your needs. You can choose between Basic, SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), or other RAID types depending on your redundancy requirements.

Set Up User Accounts and Permissions:

If you wish to share access to family members or team members for your personal cloud, you need to set up user accounts and permissions. For that, first create personal user accounts for the different members you wish to give access to. Once done, define folders and set user permissions for secure file access.

Enable Personal Cloud Features:

Go to the Package Centre to install Synology Drive Server. Once installed, create a Synology Drive Sync Task to sync files across devices. Also, set up Synology DDNS or QuickConnect to access your NAS remotely without complex port forwarding.

Install Mobile & Desktop Apps:

Once you are done setting up your Synology NAS personal cloud, install the mobile and desktop apps for on-the-go access. Use apps like Synology Drive, DS File, and Synology Photos to readily access your files and mobile backup. Also, install the Synology Desktop Client on your desktop for real-time file sync and backup.

Explore Advanced Options:

Advanced options in Synology NAS can give you more control over your personal cloud. Install Docker on Synology to run your apps in isolated containers for additional security. You can also set up surveillance stations, host your own media server, or integrate it with your smart home devices.

Benefits of Using Synology NAS as Your Personal Cloud:

Using a Synology NAS personal cloud delivers a powerful combination of flexibility, control, and security that traditional third-party cloud services simply can’t match. Here are a few standout benefits it offers:

Full Data Ownership & Privacy:

Unlike public cloud storage providers, Synology NAS lets you retain full control over your data. Your files aren’t stored on someone else’s servers. They are secured locally on your own device, which means you have complete privacy.

Access Your Files from Anywhere:

By setting up QuickConnect or DDNS with your Synology NAS, you can access your files remotely. You don’t need to configure any complex network settings. Upload and download files from any device on the cloud, use Synology’s mobile apps like DS File, Synology Drive, and DS photo for quick access, and stream media from your NAS on the go. Convenience at your fingertips!

Automatic Backups Across All Devices:

Whether you are using a Windows PC, a MAC, or even a smartphone, Synology makes it easy to sync and back up your data across all devices. Use Synology Drive Client for easy desktop sync. You can also schedule regular backups for specific folders and backup phone photos and documents automatically.

Collaborative Tools for Families and Teams:

Synology offers apps like Synology Drive, Synology Office, and Chat, allowing multiple users to collaborate in real time. You also get version control for documents, shared folders for easy access, and team chat and task management in one ecosystem. This is great for collaborative tasks if you are using the personal cloud for a professional setting.

Cost Efficiency:

Though there is an upfront investment, using Synology NAS personal cloud reduces long-term subscription costs associated with public cloud services. It has no monthly cloud storage costs. It is also highly scalable, allowing you to add more devices when needed. On top of that, you get multi-user access without any additional costs.

Expandable with Rich Ecosystem:

Beyond just file storage, you get packages from Synology NAS to turn your personal cloud into a media server, a home surveillance hub, a Docker-based app host, or even an email or web server. So no matter what your requirements are, this personal cloud storage fits them all.

Energy Efficient & Low Maintenance:

Synology NAS devices are built for 24/7 operation with minimal power consumption. It offers low energy draw as compared to a full server. You also get access to self-monitoring tools like Storage Manager and Health Advisor. This means it would require very low maintenance.

Security Measures to Protect Your Personal Cloud:

When using Synology NAS as a personal cloud, protecting your data is just as important as accessibility. For that, Synology provides a range of built-in and optional security features that let you confidently store and manage sensitive files. Here’s how to ensure your NAS stays secure:

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Synology NAS allows you to add an extra layer of protection to your NAS admin and user accounts. Here are some available options for 2FA:

• Enable 2FA through Synology DSM (DiskStation Manager)
• Use authentication apps like Google Authenticator or Synology Secure SignIn
• Prevent unauthorised logins even if a password is compromised

Secure Remote Access with DDNS and SSL:

If you are accessing your NAS remotely, always do it securely. For that, follow these rules:

• Set up DDNS via Synology to avoid exposing your Public IP
• Use HTTPS/SSL certificates for encrypted traffic
• Disable default ports and set up port forwarding securely

Firewall and IP Auto-Block:

Firewalls and IP auto-block allow you to control who gets access to your server and block malicious login attempts. For that:

• Use the DSM Firewall to restrict access by IP, region, or protocol
• Enable auto-block for multiple failed login attempts
• Allow only trusted devices or IPs to access your NAS

Antivirus and Malware Protection:

Antivirus and malware protection are necessary even with your NAS, as they add an additional layer of protection. For that:

• Install Synology Antivirus Essential or third-party options from the Package Centre
• Schedule regular scans for malware or suspicious files
• Get real-time alerts via email or mobile notifications by setting them up

Regular Backups with Hyper Backup

Security doesn’t just revolve around keeping threats out, but also about recovery. For that, you have Hyper Backup.

• Use Hyper Backup to back up your NAS data to an external drive or cloud storage
• Create versioned backups to protect against ransomware
• Schedule automated daily or weekly backups

User Permissions and Shared Folder Controls

Granular access control prevents unnecessary exposure and unauthorised access to files. For that, you should:

• Set up user roles and group permissions
• Restrict folder access based on role or device
• Monitor access logs for suspicious activity

Keep DSM and Packages Updated:

Outdated software can be a major security risk. To overcome this problem, make sure you always use updated software with your Synology NAS.

• Enable auto-updates or regularly check for DSM and package updates
• Subscribe to Synology’s security advisory feed for updates on safety
• Remove unused apps or services for additional protection

Choosing the Right Synology NAS for You:

With a wide range of Synology NAS models available, selecting the right one depends on your personal needs, technical preferences, and intended usage. Whether you are a casual user or a power user, here are the key factors to consider and recommended models that suit various sectors:

For Beginners & Home Users:

If you are just starting with NAS and want an easy-to-use Synology NAS setup for photo backups, file storage, and media streaming, here are a few key features to look for:

• 1-2 drive bays
• User-friendly DSM interface
• Affordable price point
• Low noise and power consumption

Recommended Models:

• Synology DS224+: This model is great for basic backups and personal cloud tasks with a dual-core CPU and 2GB of RAM.

• Synology DS223j: A budget-friendly entry-level NAS, ideal for family file sharing and personal backups with 1GB of RAM.

For Media Enthusiasts & Streamers:

If you want to create a home media server or stream 4K content to your smart devices, you need to look for these key features:

• Hardware video transcoding
• 2-4 drive bays
• 4K streaming support
• Plex compatibility

Recommended Models:

• Synology DS923+: This model offers 4 drive bays, a powerful Ryzen CPU, and NVMe Cache support, ideal for smooth 4K streaming.

• Synology DS220+: With this model, you get a Dual-bay NAS with an Intel CPU and 4K video transcoding support for seamless Plex server use. With support for Plex, 4K streaming, and hardware transcoding, Synology is ideal for turning your home setup into a powerful DIY media server.

For Power Users & Remote Workers:

If you need a performance-heavy solution with virtualisation, Docker, or multi-user collaboration, here are the features you need to consider:

• Expandable RAM and NVMe cache
• Virtual Machine support
• 4+ drive bays and SSD caching
• High-speed network connectivity

Recommended Models:

• Synology DS1522+: A powerful 5-Bay NAS Models like the Synology DS1522+ are perfect if you're looking to implement a reliable small business backup server with multi-user access and virtual machine support with AMD Ryzen CPU, expandable 32GB RAM, and 10GbE network upgrade option.

• Synology DS923+: A compact yet powerful NAS with 4 drive bays and support for Docker containers, along with virtual machine hosting.

These are just some of the available options. You can check out more Synology NAS models according to your specific requirements.

If you are looking for unmatched performance, you can also check out Synology BeeStation Plus for home cloud storage needs.

Expand Your Setup with Essential Accessories:

To get the most out of your Synology NAS as a personal cloud, you need to complement it with the right accessories. This ensures faster data transfer, broader connectivity, and enhanced functionality. Here are a few essential accessories to complete your NAS ecosystem for a seamless experience:

1. High-Performance Router: Consider using a reliable router for maintaining a strong network connection. A 5G router may serve your needs best.

2. Network Switches: Use network switches for multiple device integration, such as smart TVs, PCs, printers, and your NAS on a wired network. It keeps everything organised and fast.

3. External Hard Drives: While you get built-in backup solutions with Synology NAS, external hard drives provide an additional layer of protection.

4. UPS: To protect your Synology NAS from power outages and surges, consider using a UPS to ensure your data stays safe.

Smart Home Integration Devices: Synology NAS can integrate with smart home environments for video surveillance, automation, or smart assistant access.

Final Words:

When privacy and data safety matter to you, setting up a Synology NAS personal cloud can be a great investment. It gives you complete control over your files, letting you access them securely from anywhere without having to rely on third-party cloud storage providers. Thanks to expandable storage, high-speed connectivity, and secure remote access, Synology also delivers an ideal NAS solution for creative professionals managing high-resolution video, audio, and design projects. So, whether you are backing up memories, working remotely, or managing large creative projects, your Synology NAS personal cloud ensures everything is safe, fast, and always within reach!

Synology NAS Personal Cloud FAQs:

Can I access my Synology NAS remotely?

Yes, you can access your Synology NAS remotely as it offers the QuickConnect feature. You can also use DSFile on your mobile phone and access your personal cloud from the browser.

Is my data secure on a Synology NAS?

Synology NAS offers many security features, including encrypted connections via HTTPS using SSL/TLS, Two-Factor authentication, and user permission settings. All these features combined ensure your data stays secure on the server.

Can I back up my devices to Synology NAS?

Yes. Synology NAS allows various backup solutions for different devices, such as the Hyper Backup for NAS data and Synology Drive Client for backing up files from Windows and macOS computers.

How much storage can I get with Synology NAS?

Synology NAS units come in various models that support different device capacities ranging from 1-bay models to 12-bay and more. Depending on the model and the drive sizes (SSD or HDD), storage can range from 1 TB to over 100 TB.

Do I need an internet connection to use Synology NAS?

If you are accessing your Synology NAS personal cloud locally, you don’t need an internet connection when the devices are connected to your local network. However, if you wish to use the remote features like QuickConnect, an internet connection is essential.