How to SSH into A Synology NAS?

To SSH into a Synology NAS first you need to enable SSH for the NAS, to provide a secure channel over an unsecured network. It requires connecting the SSH client with an SSH server.

In this age of technology, where data is constantly growing, there is an increasing need to find a secure way to store it. Network Attached Storage (NAS) has proven to be a useful solution. Synology is one of the leading cooperation in Taiwan that specializes in this.

Synology NAS is an intelligent storage device connected to your home or office network and stores all important files, from documents to photos and videos. These files can be accessed either through the web or applications. The Synology NAS, unlike your drive or dropbox, offers you larger storage space, and automatic backup of data not to mention, media streaming from any device without the need to copy files.

Secure Shell (SSH) protocols, come in handy in the operation of Synology NAS, because they provide a secure channel for Synology NAS to operate, over an unsecured network. It does this through cryptographic technology.

Why is SSH Important for Synology NAS?

Considering Synology NAS was designed to store sensitive or important files of a network, that can be accessed remotely, it is important to secure it from potential risk. This is why SSH is important. SSH uses strong symmetric encryption and hashing algorithms to ensure privacy and integrity in the operating of NAS. SSH is also important because it is used by NAS to:

• Remote execution of commands
• Interactive automated file transfers
• Secure remote access to data and resources
• Delivery of software updates and patches

How Do You SSH into Your Synology NAS?

For SSH to provide a secure channel of operation for NAS over an unsecured network, the SSH function needs to be enabled, by first logging into NAS. To do that you need to open the terminal page on your Synology device, i.e. for SynologyNAS, open DSM Control Panel>Click on Terminal& SNMP>Select Terminal. From there Enable SSH service and specify the SHH port number for SSH connections (preferably change the default port 22 with another one).

Once that is done, to SSH into NAS involves connecting SSH client (Synology NAS) with SSH server (MAC terminal or Windows Command Prompt (CMD) or Windows PowerShell or application like PuTTY for Windows). The general process for this connection to be established involves the following steps:

• The client initiates a connection to the SSH server
• The server then sends its public key to the client, which is saved on the client’s known host file.
• Client and server negotiate parameters of connection before finally establishing a connection.

In detail, these steps vary depending on whether you are using MAC or windows, as well as, the version of DSM. Here is a summary of the detailed process:

Note, Windows, MAC, and Linux have different terminal applications. For Windows 10 the application is Windows PowerShell while for earlier versions, the application is PuTTY. On the other hand, the terminal application for mac OS is Terminal.app, while Linux’s is simply Terminal.

Conclusion

Soon enough we will do away with public cloud storage. So will securing our data with public passwords that can easily be hacked. Synology NAS is the solution to future storage, allowing you to store as much data as possible, subscription-free, that you can access from anywhere you are. SSH, on the other hand, is the future solution to securing this data. It ensures NAS operates securely even on unsecured networks.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1.    Can I connect multiple Synology NAS devices?

Yes, you can seamlessly sync your data among multiple Synology NAS devices. You’ll need to choose one of the devices to act as a host server while the rest act as clients.

2.    Can I access my folders remotely from Synology NAS?

Yes, you can, which is the point of storing your files in Synology NAS device. All you need is an internet connection.