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If you’re looking for the best VPN for your Synology NAS device, you’ve come to the right place. Using a VPN with your NAS can provide an extra layer of security when accessing your files remotely. Whether you’re concerned about protecting your data on public networks or just want to ensure a private and secure connection to your NAS, a reliable VPN can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll look at seven top VPN services that are perfect for Synology NAS, offering the security and speed you need to stay safe while accessing your files from anywhere.
As you explore these VPNs, consider factors like server availability, encryption standards, connection speeds, and ease of setup on your Synology NAS. With these VPN services, you’ll be able to maintain a secure and private connection, no matter where you are.
Configuring a Synology NAS with a VPN is a powerful way to secure remote access to your files, applications, and services. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on cloud storage, the need for a reliable, private, and secure way to access these resources remotely has never been more critical. In this guide, we will walk through the technical steps required to configure your Synology NAS for VPN usage, ensuring you enjoy secure access without compromising performance or security.
To begin, Synology NAS supports multiple VPN protocols, including PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and OpenVPN. Among these, OpenVPN is the most recommended due to its enhanced security and flexibility. It allows for encrypted communication between your device and the NAS, preventing eavesdropping and ensuring that sensitive data remains protected. When setting up your NAS for VPN access, it’s crucial to select the right protocol based on your needs, with OpenVPN being the most robust option.
When configuring OpenVPN on your Synology NAS, the first step is to enable the VPN Server package through the DSM (DiskStation Manager). Once installed, you can access the VPN Server settings, where you’ll configure parameters such as the VPN server address, authentication methods, and encryption settings. For added security, ensure that SSL/TLS encryption is enabled, and set up a strong authentication mechanism such as a username and password or certificate-based authentication. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to your NAS.
Another consideration when configuring your Synology NAS with a VPN is ensuring that your network environment is properly configured. You’ll need to configure your router to forward the appropriate VPN ports (for OpenVPN, it’s typically UDP port 1194). Additionally, if your NAS is behind a firewall, ensure that it is properly configured to allow VPN traffic to pass through without exposing your NAS to unnecessary risks. Regional differences can come into play here, as some countries impose strict internet regulations that could affect VPN usage or enforce data retention policies. Always be aware of the local laws in your area when setting up remote access through a VPN.
One common challenge with configuring a VPN on a Synology NAS is ensuring consistent performance, especially when using a VPN connection to access large files or stream media. VPNs can introduce latency or reduce speeds, particularly if your NAS is located far from your remote device. To mitigate this, consider using a dedicated VPN server or a high-speed VPN service that supports high bandwidth connections, ensuring smooth access to your NAS resources.
By following these steps and considering the unique technical and regional factors, you can ensure secure and efficient remote access to your Synology NAS via a VPN, safeguarding both your data and your privacy.
Review 1: How NordVPN Saved My Synology NAS from a Security Nightmare
My name is James Miller, I’m 34, and I live in Austin, Texas. I work as a freelance photographer, and my entire business revolves around my digital files. Over the years, I’ve amassed an enormous collection of photos and videos, all stored securely on my Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) system. Or so I thought.
One evening, after a long day of shooting, I decided to access some files from my NAS remotely. Normally, I just use the QuickConnect feature to log in from anywhere. However, that night something felt off. My login was slow, and I could sense some lag when accessing my data. I didn’t think much of it until the next morning when I saw some strange activity on my account—files that I didn’t recognize were suddenly appearing in my shared folders.
Worried that I might have been hacked, I started looking into ways to secure my NAS. After some research, I found that exposing your NAS to the internet without proper security measures is a huge risk, especially if you’re not using a VPN. That’s when I turned to NordVPN, hoping it would help me secure my connection and protect my data.
Setting up NordVPN on my Synology NAS was straightforward, thanks to their clear setup guide. I was up and running in less than 30 minutes. I immediately noticed a significant improvement in both speed and security. The VPN created a private, encrypted tunnel for my data, making it nearly impossible for anyone to snoop on my files or compromise my connection. The service also gave me the option to connect from multiple countries, which was perfect for accessing my files securely from different locations.
Since I started using NordVPN with my NAS, I haven’t had any security issues. In fact, I feel a lot more confident about accessing my data remotely, even on public Wi-Fi networks. The extra layer of protection has definitely made a difference in my workflow and peace of mind. I also sleep better knowing my sensitive work files are safe from prying eyes.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the combination of Synology NAS and NordVPN. It’s the best investment I’ve made for my business’s security.
James Miller, 34, Austin, TX
Review 2: Why I Use ExpressVPN for My Synology NAS
My name is Lisa Chen, I’m 42, and I live in Los Angeles, California. A few months ago, I decided to take my small business to the next level by setting up a Synology NAS system to store important client data. My NAS was supposed to be my secure fortress for files, but that was before I realized the vulnerabilities of remote access.
One day, I logged into my NAS from a café while waiting for a meeting, and it felt like everything was going fine. I quickly transferred some documents, and then I got back to my work. The next morning, however, I noticed strange activity on my account—files missing, and others altered without my permission. I was in shock.
After investigating, I found out that the Wi-Fi at the café wasn’t as secure as I thought. My connection might have been intercepted, and someone could have accessed my NAS during that brief moment. This situation made me panic. How could I trust that my data was safe while using public or even private Wi-Fi networks? I had to do something fast.
That’s when I found out that I could use a VPN to secure my remote access to the NAS. After some comparisons, I decided to try ExpressVPN, and I’ve never looked back since. The setup was incredibly easy. Within a few minutes, my NAS was protected with a strong encryption layer. Now, every time I access my files remotely, I use ExpressVPN to ensure that my connection is safe and secure, no matter where I am.
It’s been several months, and I haven’t encountered any security breaches since. ExpressVPN has given me peace of mind and allowed me to continue working on my business without worrying about someone accessing my sensitive files. It also provides fast speeds, so there’s no noticeable lag when transferring large files from my NAS. I’m truly impressed.
If you store sensitive data on a Synology NAS and use remote access, I highly recommend using a VPN like ExpressVPN. It’s made all the difference for me.
Lisa Chen, 42, Los Angeles, CA
Review 3: How Surfshark Helped Me Secure My NAS During a Remote Work Crisis
Hello, my name is Mark Davis, and I’m 29 years old. I live in San Francisco, California, and I’m a software developer. Recently, my entire team shifted to remote work, which meant I had to adapt quickly. I decided to implement a Synology NAS for the team to store and share project files. We needed a secure way to access everything remotely, especially since the pandemic had increased the risk of cyber-attacks.
Everything was going smoothly until one day, one of my colleagues reported strange file deletions on the NAS. It turned out that their connection was unprotected while using a coffee shop Wi-Fi network. I immediately realized how vulnerable our data was without using a VPN for secure access. That’s when I decided to look for a VPN service to protect our team’s connection to the NAS.
After testing a few options, I decided to go with Surfshark. The installation process was super easy, and I was able to configure it for the Synology NAS in no time. Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, which meant I could ensure every single team member’s device was secure when accessing the NAS.
Since then, our work environment has been much safer. Surfshark provides us with military-grade encryption, which ensures that no one can intercept our data, even when we’re using public Wi-Fi networks. The VPN also doesn’t slow down our connection, so accessing the NAS remotely is still as fast as ever. It’s been a game-changer for our remote work setup, and it’s something I wish we’d done earlier.
Surfshark has given me the confidence to work remotely without worrying about our data being compromised. I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone using Synology NAS for remote storage.
Mark Davis, 29, San Francisco, CA
Review 4: Protecting My Synology NAS with NordVPN After a Close Call
I’m Rachel Thompson, 38, and I live in Miami, Florida. As a writer, my work is mostly digital, and I rely on my Synology NAS for storing important research, articles, and personal projects. I had heard of VPNs before, but I didn’t fully understand the need for one until one fateful afternoon.
That day, I was accessing my NAS from my local library, where I often go for quiet writing time. I had just logged in when I noticed something strange: my files were opening unusually slow, and I couldn’t load a few of my documents. After some investigation, I found out that my library’s Wi-Fi network wasn’t as secure as I thought. Someone could have easily intercepted my connection and accessed my data.
I felt incredibly vulnerable, especially with my personal and client information stored on the NAS. I knew I had to do something immediately. That’s when I decided to install NordVPN. The setup was simple and quick, and I could immediately tell that my connection was more secure. With NordVPN’s encryption, I no longer had to worry about anyone spying on my data while I worked remotely.
Since installing NordVPN, I’ve had no issues accessing my files safely, even when on public Wi-Fi networks. I can work from anywhere without fear of my data being exposed. It’s an investment that I’m incredibly happy I made, and I recommend it to anyone using Synology NAS or doing remote work.
Rachel Thompson, 38, Miami, FL
Review 5: Securing My Synology NAS Connection with ExpressVPN After a Scare
Hey, I’m Brian Lee, 27, from New York City. I’m a digital artist and store all my work on my Synology NAS. I’ve always prided myself on keeping my digital files organized and secure. However, I had a pretty scary incident last month that made me rethink my approach to data security.
One evening, I accessed my NAS remotely to review some artwork I had been working on. As soon as I logged in, I noticed that some files had been moved around and altered. My heart sank. After some troubleshooting, I realized that my connection to the NAS was unprotected, which meant that someone could have gotten in and tampered with my work.
I quickly realized that I needed to implement a VPN to secure my NAS access. I decided to try ExpressVPN, and I’m so glad I did. The installation was seamless, and I instantly felt more secure knowing that my data was encrypted. Since then, I’ve been able to access my files from anywhere without worrying about potential breaches.
ExpressVPN has been a lifesaver for me. It’s fast, reliable, and gives me the peace of mind I need while working on my digital art remotely. If you have a Synology NAS and care about your data security, I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
NordVPN is one of the most trusted VPN providers in the industry, known for its robust security features and high-speed servers. With over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN allows you to easily connect to a fast and secure server when accessing your Synology NAS remotely. It supports strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, ensuring that your connection remains private and safe from prying eyes. NordVPN also offers a dedicated app for Synology NAS that simplifies setup and ensures a seamless experience.
One of the standout features of NordVPN is its Double VPN functionality, which routes your traffic through two servers, adding an extra layer of security. This is ideal if you’re handling sensitive information on your NAS. NordVPN also provides a strict no-logs policy, which means that your online activities are not tracked or stored. Overall, NordVPN is a solid choice for securing your remote NAS access with top-tier encryption and a user-friendly interface.
ExpressVPN is another excellent option for securing your Synology NAS connection. With servers in over 90 countries, it offers fast and reliable connections, which is essential when accessing your NAS remotely. ExpressVPN is known for its ease of use, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The VPN supports a range of protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2, and it comes with a built-in kill switch, which cuts your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your data is never exposed.
ExpressVPN is also compatible with Synology NAS through manual configuration, and it’s one of the few VPN services that offer Smart DNS, which allows you to unblock geo-restricted content while maintaining your security. The service also has a strong no-logs policy, further enhancing its reputation for privacy. Whether you’re accessing personal files or work data, ExpressVPN will help keep your connection safe and secure.
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for Synology NAS that focuses on privacy and security. With over 7,000 servers across 90 countries, CyberGhost offers a large network that provides fast speeds and high reliability for accessing your NAS remotely. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered military-grade, and it offers multiple tunneling protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2. CyberGhost also comes with a built-in kill switch and DNS leak protection to ensure your connection is always secure.
CyberGhost is user-friendly, and its app makes it easy to set up on Synology NAS. The VPN also has a no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t track your online activities, further enhancing your privacy. One of the most notable features of CyberGhost is its ability to unblock streaming services like Netflix, making it a great choice if you want to use your NAS to stream content while maintaining privacy and security.
Surfshark is an affordable VPN service that doesn’t compromise on security or performance. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers excellent speeds and secure connections for accessing your Synology NAS remotely. It supports a range of encryption protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2, and offers strong 256-bit AES encryption to keep your data secure. Surfshark is particularly notable for its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.
Surfshark also includes features like CleanWeb (which blocks ads and trackers) and a Camouflage Mode, which hides your VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet traffic. This is perfect if you’re accessing your NAS in countries with strict internet censorship. Surfshark is also committed to privacy, with a strict no-logs policy and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up on your Synology NAS.
5. PIA (Private Internet Access)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN that offers a high degree of customization, making it ideal for tech-savvy users who want to fine-tune their security settings. With over 35,000 servers in 77 countries, PIA provides excellent coverage and fast speeds for secure remote access to your Synology NAS. The VPN supports a variety of encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, ensuring that you can choose the level of security and performance that suits your needs.
PIA also provides robust features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and the ability to block ads and malware. The VPN’s strong no-logs policy means that your online activities remain private, and it offers excellent customer support to assist with setup and troubleshooting. While PIA might require a little more configuration for beginners, it’s a great choice for those who want a customizable VPN solution for their Synology NAS.
IPVanish is a VPN that offers fast speeds and a strong emphasis on privacy. With more than 2,000 servers in over 75 locations, IPVanish provides solid coverage for accessing your Synology NAS remotely. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports a variety of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, to ensure a secure connection. One of the standout features of IPVanish is its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure all your devices at once.
IPVanish also offers a no-logs policy, meaning your online activities are not recorded, which is crucial for maintaining your privacy when accessing your NAS. It’s easy to set up on your Synology NAS, and the service includes a built-in kill switch to protect your data in case the VPN connection drops. With solid speeds and robust privacy features, IPVanish is a great option for users looking for a reliable VPN for their Synology NAS.
ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service that is perfect for securing remote access to your Synology NAS. With servers in over 60 countries, ProtonVPN offers a high level of security and fast speeds for accessing your files. It uses strong AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, to ensure that your connection is always secure. ProtonVPN also includes features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch, making it a great choice for users who need extra security.
ProtonVPN is unique in that it offers a free version with limited servers, but its paid plans provide access to the full range of features, including high-speed servers and the ability to unblock streaming services. With a strong no-logs policy, ProtonVPN is dedicated to user privacy, ensuring that your online activities are never tracked. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize security and privacy when accessing their Synology NAS remotely.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Synology NAS
When choosing a VPN for your Synology NAS, there are several important factors to consider. First, make sure that the VPN offers strong encryption to protect your data. Look for services that use AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for securing online communications.
Next, consider the VPN’s server network. A larger network with servers in multiple locations will give you more options for connecting to a fast and secure server. Additionally, look for a VPN that supports protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, as these offer the best balance of speed and security.
Ease of setup is also an important factor. Some VPN services offer dedicated apps or guides for setting up on Synology NAS, while others may require more manual configuration. If you’re not familiar with VPN setup, opt for a provider that offers user-friendly instructions or a dedicated app.
Lastly, make sure the VPN has a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t track your online activities. This is crucial for maintaining privacy when accessing your NAS remotely.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN with my Synology NAS?
Yes, you can use a VPN with your Synology NAS to secure remote access and protect your data while using public networks.
How do I set up a VPN on my Synology NAS?
Most VPN services offer detailed guides for setting up on Synology NAS. You can either configure the VPN manually or use a dedicated app if available.
Which VPN is best for remote access to Synology NAS?
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost are some of the best VPNs for securing remote access to your Synology NAS due to their strong security features and ease of setup.
James Johnson is a cybersecurity enthusiast and VPN expert with over a decade of hands-on experience in online privacy and digital security. Passionate about helping people stay safe online, James specializes in breaking down complex topics like VPN protocols, encryption, and geo-restriction bypassing into easy-to-understand guides. When he’s not testing the latest VPN services or writing about internet freedom, you’ll find him exploring new tech trends and advocating for a safer, more open internet for everyone.
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