Synology’s NAS devices offer a handy way to connect various distributed computers to a single network; it cannot provide network encryption. By installing one of the best VPN for Synology, you can assure your data’s adequate security. The easiest and quickest way to secure your information is to sign up for a VPN. Below we list the best Synology VPN services, all of which are easy to set up.
If you want to take on the challenge of setting up a VPN yourself, we list the steps that you need to take to set up your very own VPN server for Synology.
Also read: How to Protect Your Internet Privacy
VPN for Synology -Why Do You Need it?
Whether you use Synology at home or at work, NAS devices are often home to strangely sensitive information. From crucial business documents to personal files like photographs or ID papers, you do not want third parties to access it.
Although files on the Synology NAS device are protected, the risk lies in transporting data to and from your device. This can be particularly dangerous if you or another user access Synology from an unsecured network such as a public wi-fi.
Hackers can use wireless packet sniffers to intercept data as it is being sent, giving them access to your files and the IP of your Synology device.
Installing a VPN app onto your Synology NAS will automatically encrypt all incoming and outgoing traffic. This means that any malicious third party will not be able to access your private information, even if they can intercept your web traffic.
Since a VPN tool reroutes all of your data through one of its own private servers, hackers will not be able to see the IP of your home or business network. They will only be able to see the VPN server’s IP, protecting your Network from any targeted cyber attacks.
To protect Synology with a VPN, you will need to choose a service that supports OpenVPN, which can then be downloaded onto your NAS device. All of our recommendations support OpenVPN, and you can find a guide to installing it on Synology further down this page.
Best VPNs for Synology
#1 NordVPN (3.29$/month)
Number of servers: 3500+ | Server locations: 60+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 6
NordVPN is a Panama based VPN service provider. Hence, it is free of the U.S and the European countries jurisdictions. Due to it, the users can enjoy anonymous networking with its No Log Policy. Double encryption, a variety of protocol support, excellent customer support makes it one of the best VPN in the market. Most noteworthy, the pricing plans are quiet on the nominal side and worth the services provided.
- Six simultaneous connections
- A variety of platform support
- Double encryption for added security
- Excellent customer support
- Automatic kill switch
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3-Day free trial
- Unique selling proposition is that it offers hassle-free installation even for new users
Avail 72% Discount
#2 ExpressVPN (8.32$/month)
Number of servers: 1800+ | Server locations: 148 | IP addresses: 30,000 | Maximum devices supported: 3
ExpressVPN has become the market leader in the VPN industry. With its supreme quality VPN performance during past seven years. Therefore, it attracted and retained millions of users and enhanced customer loyalty. All due to services that are beyond comparison. That is the reason it sits at the top position in our VPN table. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. Which keeps it away from the Data Retention policies enforced by NSA, GCHQ.
- Unlimited Bandwidth with Ultra Speed
- Dedicated VPN Apps for Android & iOS
- Provides all VPN protocols OpenVPN (TCP, UDP), L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP
- High-End Security with OpenVPN 256-bits
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee
- 3 Simultaneous-login Option
- Dedicated VPN App for Router
Avail 35% Discount
#3 Surfshark VPN (2.49$/month)
Number of servers: 500+ | Server locations: 50 | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
Surfshark VPN is ahead of the curve in technological advancement. Surfshark VPN will ensure online privacy for your whole family – simple and intuitive on the outside with a robust security mechanism inside.
- No Logging Policy
- 500 Plus Servers Spread in over 50 Countries
- 24 x 7 Customer Service Support
- P2P Torrenting Support Available
- AES 256-Bit Network Encryption
- Comes with Zero Logging Policy
- Chrome Extension Available
- Kill-Switch functionality
Avail 81% Discount
#4 CyberGhostVPN (2.15$/month)
Number of servers: 6,200+ | Server locations: 87+ | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 7
CyberGhostVPN was established in 2011 and gained popularity. It is due to its dedication towards providing outstanding and unique security and privacy features. CyberGhostVPN defends privacy as a basic human right, being the first in the industry to publish a transparency report while building new user-oriented crypto-technology for the future.
- 6200+ servers in 87 countries
- Uses AES 256 Encryption
- Up to 7 Simultaneous Connections
- Supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP
- DNS & IP Leak Protection
- No Logging Policy.
- Uses 2048 Key & MD5 Authentication
- 45-Days Money Back Guarantee
- Automatic Wi-Fi security
Avail 83% Discount
#5 Private Internet Access (2.19$/month)
Number of servers: 3339+ | Server locations: 36 | IP addresses: N/A | Maximum devices supported: 5
Private Internet Access service provides you unbeatable internet security and privacy. It is due to its sustainable and specialized security barrier based on several layers. Hence, For an end to end protection with its amazing features. That includes; Anonymous IP, high-grade encryption. That is based on cryptographically secure Blowfish CBC algorithm.
- Zero VPN Traffic Logs
- Encrypted Wi-Fi Protection
- Offers all Protocols PPTP, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec including SOCKS5 Proxy
- 7-days Money-Back Guarantee
- IPv6 Leak Protection & DNS Leak Protection
- The Internet Kill Switch
- P2P file sharing & VoIP Support
- Support for VPN router including DD-WRT Tomato & PfSense
- Speed Test options for all Servers
Avail 78% Discount
How to Set up a VPN on Synology
If you’re looking for a way to set up a VPN client on Synology, you will have to follow the basic steps outlined below. Synology devices support all three major VPN protocols: L2TP, PPTP, and OpenVPN. For security and privacy purposes, we highly recommend opting for OpenVPN. To configure OpenVPN for Synology, you will have to:
- Download the required config files from your VPN service provider. If you are unsure what config files you require, ask your service provider directly. You will need the .ovpn files for either UDP or TCP connections, depending on which you intend to use (we recommend UDP as it is faster and more stable). You will also require .crt and .key files. (If your VPN cannot provide you with access to these files, you will likely need to subscribe to a different VPN service.)
- Open your Synology Control Panel
- Now click on “Network
- Select the “Network Interface” tab in the top menu
- Click “Create” and select “Create VPN profile.”
- Select “OpenVPN (via importing a .ovpn file)“
- In general, settings enter – Profile name: (make this whatever you like). Username: Your VPN username from when you subscribed. Password: your VPN password from when you subscribed.
- Import .ovpn file: Select the .ovpn file you downloaded from your provider
- CA certificate: Select the ca.crt you got from your provider
- Client certificate: Select the .crt file you got from your provider
- Client key: Select the .key you got from your provider
- Next window, click the checkboxes next to: “Use default gateway or remote network.” “Allow other network devices to connect through this Synology server’s internet connection.” And: “Reconnect when the VPN connection is lost.”
- You should now see the newly created connection in the list. Select it and click “Connect.”
- Once a connection is established, you should see a box appear that shows an active connection with data being sent.
Remember, this is a basic outline; your VPN provider should help you by providing specific information for your setup.
Advantages of using a Synology VPN service?
Synology is a Taiwanese firm that specializes in Network Area Storage (NAS). While it’s not the cheapest way to create your own VPN server, Synology is definitely at its top. It offers much that you would be hard pushed to achieve otherwise. This includes everything from simple NAS to nearly everything web-related.
But why should you bother with a VPN connection on your NAS device? Well, there are several benefits. By using NAS storage with a VPN server, it will:
- VPN encryption protects against wiretapping and eavesdropping to stop third parties from reading your files.
- A VPN tool stops packet sniffers from reading transferred data.
- It enables you to use geolocation-related plugins as some may be blocked in your location.;
Unluckily, VPN tunnels have overhead, which will eventually slow down your connection speed. Nevertheless, it’s worth trading a bit of speed for increased security when accessing sensitive data. However, if you get a fast VPN, the amount your connection speed is slowed becomes negligible, as the VPN service renders fast servers. Also, as Synology devices can connect to OpenVPN servers, you should connect your NAS VPN with the preponderance of leading providers.
Conclusion
There is no point in taking any avoidable risks with the files stored on your Synology NAS. Subscribe to a VPN now and give yourself peace of mind that your personal or business data will always be protected. Want to find out more about keeping your data private? Read our review of the best no-log VPNs.