Network Attached Storage

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Qnap Network Attached Storage NAS

Synology Network Attached Storage NAS

What is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) for?

A NAS is a mix between compact local mass storage (external hard drives for example) and cloud-based storage (think Dropbox).


Basically speaking, NAS devices are hard drives that are connected to a network.

The ability to get the flexibility of cloud storage while having a respectable amount of storage. Basically, an external hard disk that exists within a cloud, without the need to physically carry it around. Furthermore, NAS also allows for multiple PCs to connect to it at any given time. Allowing you to share important documents with your team without ever leaving the desk.

Protect yourself against encryption-based ransomware

The risk of malware infection remains on a constant rise with new infections rapidly spreading every hour, every day. Synology addresses this growing malware problem by introducing powerful security measures such as Security Advisor and Qualysguard Security Scan, as well as offering regular security updates to protect users from potential threats. Recently, we have witnessed new encryption-based ransomware targeting personal files and even network-based devices. Below, we will explain how Synology’s comprehensive multi-version backup solution can rescue your PC and NAS from malicious attacks.

Benefits of using a Network Attached Storage NAS

Below are the points below will summarise all of the benefits of using a NAS

Additional Storage Space

As computers and laptops have shrunk in physical size on the whole, so have their local storage sizes — especially with the widespread adoption of the cloud. One of the main reasons why people choose to get a NAS device is to add storage space to their local computer.

Easy Collaboration, Less Mess

Do you remember the days when you used to have to email around a document when you wanted to collaborate on a report or document, leading to hundreds of clone copies of the same document

Own A Private Cloud

Cloud storage is incredibly convenient — that’s why so many of us use it. But in the backs of our minds, I’m sure we all have worries about who can truly access our documents, especially for those of us storing confidential information like bank accounts or ID certificates.

What if you wanted the benefits of cloud storage but without any of the potential snooping? This is one area where NAS devices trump cloud storage.

Automatic Data Backups

We can’t stress enough the importance of backing up your data regularly, but manually backing up your documents can be a hassle. It’s easy to get lazy and maybe skip a day, then one day turns into a month, which turns into a year… and then your hard disk crashes and you’re left without any recent backups.

Data Protection

More of us are mobile these days and the risk of dropping or otherwise damaging our laptops is pretty high. Even for desktop computers, there still hasn’t been a solution to the classic “spilled a drink, ruined everything” problem.

Easy Server Setup

One of the biggest benefits of NAS devices is that they aren’t overly complicated to set up and get running. Most of them use a simple web-based interface which allows you to set up the device and access settings.

If you’ve ever fiddled with the settings of your wireless router, then you’ll feel relatively comfortable setting up a personal NAS device. It’s really not that hard.

Crucial practices against ransomware attacks on your PC

Outdated computer systems are relatively more vulnerable to ransomware attacks. This is why it is essential to perform regular software and operating system updates to improve the security of your computer.

Install a good antivirus software or a reputable security suite to help you detect and fight off malicious threats, giving you an extra form of protection.

Stay on guard and think twice before opening email attachments or clicking files from unknown sources. Watch out for suspicious files with hidden file-extensions such as “.pdf.exe”

Malware often target computers using RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). Keep RDP disabled if you do not require remote access

In conclusion

In the tech world, acronyms can be a bit overwhelming and make everything sound more complicated than they are, but you have nothing to fear with NAS devices.
They’re easy to set up and use and they come with so many benefits: increased storage space, private cloud storage, streaming music and movies, and even automating backups. Plus, they’re often as cheap as purchasing additional hard drives for your local computers.

QNAP

Highly Customizable NAS

Synology NAS

Powerful NAS with friendly interface