NAS Theft Protection

NAS Theft Protection Protocols

NAS (Network-Attached Storage) is a popular storage solution that has become increasingly common among businesses and individuals alike. As with any valuable technology device, there is always the risk of theft. Unfortunately, NAS devices are not immune to this problem. 

One reason why NAS devices may be targeted by thieves is because of the sheer amount of data they can store. With so much information in one place, it’s no wonder that these devices are attractive targets for criminals seeking to steal sensitive data. 

Additionally, many businesses rely on their NAS systems for backup purposes. Losing this critical information could have severe consequences for the company’s operations and reputation. 

Another issue with NAS theft is that these devices often contain personal or confidential data from individuals. If a thief gains access to this information, it could put those affected at risk for identity theft or other forms of fraud. 

While NAS systems offer numerous benefits regarding convenient storage solutions and easy file-sharing options, users must also follow NAS theft protection protocols to avoid potential thieves and unauthorized access. For this discussion, we will be referring to the physical theft of the NAS as opposed to virtual. For information on protecting your NAS from internet theft such as ransomware, please refer to our NAS Storage Security Tips white paper.

Nfina’s NAS Theft Protection Recommendations on how to Avoid your NAS from being Stolen

One of the biggest concerns about owning a NAS is theft. After all, if someone steals your device, they’ll have access to all your files and data. So how can you protect your NAS from being stolen? 

Firstly, Nfina recommends you make sure your NAS is housed in a secure location. Keeping it out of sight and behind locked doors or cabinets. Try not to place it near windows where it can be seen from outside. 

If your NAS device is not in a secure rack enclosure, you can also use physical security measures such as a locking bezel or cable lock to deter thieves from attempting to steal your NAS storage device. 

Another way Nfina recommends NAS theft protection is by using security cameras. If you can monitor the area where your NAS is stored, you’ll be alerted if anyone tries to steal it. 

In addition, consider investing in an alarm system that alerts you if someone attempts to enter the room where your NAS is located or tries to remove the NAS from its position. 

Another option is to encrypt the data stored on your NAS drive so that even if someone does manage to steal it, they won’t be able to access any of the information without the encryption key. Nfina suggests installing SEDs (1) (Self-encrypting drives) in its NAS devices. SED drives use a “key” to encrypt on writes and decrypt on reads automatically. When installed in Nfina’s storage systems, a user password is entered that gets added to the key to “customize” the encryption. The drive becomes unusable when removed and access is attempted without that password.

Nfina always reminds its customers that it is crucial to keep track of who has access rights and permissions for accessing the files on your NAS. Only grant necessary permissions and revoke them as soon as users no longer need them. 

Although an obvious measure, it is worth stating you should always make sure that you regularly back up all important data stored on the device so that even if something does happen, with regards to physical security measures failings – at least there will still be an accessible copy elsewhere. With Nfina-View™ remote monitoring and failover software, multiple copies of data are stored on and off-site to ensure data is always recoverable.

Conclusion

Remember that prevention is always better than cure when implementing NAS theft protection protocols. Take proactive measures and safeguard against potential threats before they happen. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that even if someone tries to steal your NAS device or its contents, they won’t be able to get very far. 

Sources

[1] NIST

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