Synology NAS SSL Installation Guide with Easy Steps
To Install SSL Certificate on Synology NAS, you can encrypt the connection between your NAS and other devices, providing better security. SSL certificates enable HTTPS and allow secure access to DSM and packages like WordPress or Plex Media Server on your Synology NAS. Installing an SSL certificate on a Synology NAS is an important step to take in order to ensure the protection of data and information accessed through your NAS.
On a Synology NAS, using SSL certificates provides better Security for accessing DSM, WordPress, and any other packages or services running on your Synology server. By Default, DSM uses a self-signed certificate that will present security warnings in browsers. Installing a valid SSL certificate removes these warnings for a smoother and safer experience.
Key Takeaways
- SSL certificates encrypt the connection to your Synology NAS to prevent sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
- You can get free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt, which are trusted by all major browsers.
- Use the Synology DSM Control Panel to install the certificate and enable HTTPS for services.
- Enable auto-renewal to make sure your SSL certificate stays valid and doesn’t expire.
- Replace the Default self-signed certificate for Stronger Security and no browser warnings.
- Select from various types of SSL certificates like single domain, wildcard, or multiple domains.
What are the Benefits of Using an SSL Certificate on Synology NAS
Here are some of the top benefits of installing and using SSL certificates on your Synology server:
- Encryption: With SSL enabled, all communications between your devices and the NAS will be encrypted using HTTPS. This prevents hackers from spying on the data in transit over the network.
- Data Security: Encryption protects your data and prevents man-in-the-middle attacks, which could allow someone to intercept and alter the data being sent.
- Identity Verification: Trusted SSL certificates require validation of the NAS server’s identity, providing assurance you are connecting to the real system.
- No Browser Warnings: Default self-signed certificates present security warnings in browsers. Trusted certificates signed by CAs avoid these warnings.
- Access from Anywhere: Encryption allows secure remote Access to your NAS and hosted services from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Compliance: Encryption may be required to meet regulatory compliance rules like HIPAA for health data, FERPA for education records, and PCI DSS for credit cards.
- SEO Rankings: Websites hosted on the NAS will benefit from the SEO boost provided by enabling HTTPS.
As you can see, SSL certificates are an essential security component for any Synology NAS accessible online. The encryption protects your data while assuring users that they are connecting to a legitimate, validated system.
How to Get a Free SSL Certificate from Let’s Encrypt
The easiest and most affordable way to get trusted SSL certificates is by using Let’s Encrypt’s free certificate authority service. Let’s Encrypt provides free 90-day certificates that can be automatically renewed. This allows you to enable HTTPS on your Synology NAS for free.
Here is an overview of the process to get free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt for your Synology NAS:
- Make sure your Synology NAS has a public IP address and a resolvable hostname.
- Log into your NAS admin interface (DSM). If necessary, go to Control Panel > External Access> DDNS to set up dynamic DNS.
- Navigate to Control Panel > Security > Certificate and create a certificate signing request (CSR).
- Use the CSR to request a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt. You can manually request it on the Let’s Encrypt site or use the automated Synology process.
- Download the SSL certificate and private key from Let’s Encrypt. Copy or import them into your Synology NAS.
- Install the SSL certificate in the Control Panel and enable HTTPS for the services you want.
- Set up auto-renewal so your certificates renew automatically before they expire. Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days.
The beauty of Let’s Encrypt is that it’s free, automatic, and trusted by all major browsers. The certificates let you enable HTTPS on your Synology NAS without having to pay anything.
Purchasing SSL Certificates from Certificate Authorities
For businesses and commercial Use, you may want to purchase SSL certificates from trusted certificate authorities like:
- DigiCert
- Comodo
- GlobalSign
- GoDaddy
- Network Solutions
These validated Extended Validation (EV) certificates provide extra identity assurance but typically cost $100-300 per year.
When purchasing SSL certificates, make sure to get the certificate in Apache format with the intermediate and root certificates bundled. This makes installing it on Synology NAS more straightforward.
You’ll also want to evaluate whether to get a single domain, wildcard, or multiple domain SAN certificate. Wildcard SSL certificates are convenient but cost more than single domain certificates.
Once you purchase the SSL certificate, you can follow the same process to import and install it as with free certificates. The main difference is that you purchase instead of requesting the certificate.
8 Easy Steps to Install SSL Certificate on Synology NAS
Once you have obtained an SSL certificate through Let’s Encrypt or purchase, follow these steps to install it on your Synology NAS:
- Access DSM and go to Control Panel > Security > Certificate.
- Click Import Certificate and upload your certificate files (CERT, KEY, CA). Make sure they are properly bundled and in Apache format.
- Give the certificate a name like “My Domain Certificate”. Leave the certificate type as Default.
- Click OK to import the certificate into DSM.
- Click Edit beside your new certificate and change the Use For option to Enable HTTPS service for web client connection.
- Check any additional services you want, like Web Station for hosted websites. Click OK.
- Go to Control Panel > Network > DSM Settings.
- Under Security, change the HTTP option to redirect to HTTPS. Click Apply.
That’s it! Your Synology NAS will now use the new SSL certificate. Load up your DSM URL in a web browser, and it should load securely via HTTPS without any certificate warnings. The lock icon indicates it’s working.
To enable HTTPS for additional services like Git Server, WordPress, phpMyAdmin, etc., go to Control Panel > External Access for those packages and choose to allow secure HTTPS connections. You can also install the certificate on any hosted website.
How to Renew SSL Certificates on Synology NAS
It’s important to renew your SSL certificates before they expire to maintain valid HTTPS connections. Let’s Encrypt certificates are only valid for 90 days, while paid certs last 1-3 years typically.
Here are some tips for managing and renewing your Synology NAS certificates:
- Use auto-renewal: Enable auto-renewal in DSM for Let’s Encrypt certs so they renew automatically every 60 days. Monitor the expiry date.
- Re-import new certificates: When your paid cert renews, you’ll need to re-import the new certificate manually into DSM when you renew it.
- Stagger renewals: When using multiple certificates, consider staggering the renewal dates so they don’t all expire simultaneously.
- Test renewal process: Occasionally test the certificate renewal process prior to expiration to ensure it works smoothly.
- Monitor expirations: Set up notifications in DSM to receive alerts when certificates are getting close to expiration.
- Revoke old certificates: If a certificate is compromised or retired, be sure to revoke it so it can no longer be used.
Final Thoughts
Securing your Synology NAS with an SSL certificate is an essential step to protect your data and ensure privacy. By following the steps outlined, you can easily install a trusted SSL certificate, whether self-signed or obtained from a Certificate Authority. This will encrypt the communication between your devices and the NAS, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping. Remember to renew the certificate before it expires to maintain the security of your Synology NAS. With a properly configured SSL certificate, you can have peace of mind knowing your sensitive information is safeguarded, allowing you to fully utilize the powerful features of your Synology storage solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SSL and TLS certificates?
SSL and TLS both provide encrypted HTTPS connections. TLS is a newer version of SSL. In practical terms, an SSL certificate is a TLS certificate, and it can be used interchangeably to enable HTTPS on your Synology NAS.
Do I need a static IP for SSL certificates on my NAS?
No, you can use dynamic DNS services to allow SSL certificates with a dynamic IP address. As long as the hostname resolves correctly, the certs will work fine with a fluctuating public IP.
Can I get one wildcard certificate to secure all Synology services and websites?
Yes, a wildcard SSL certificate like *.yourdomain.com can secure multiple subdomains across your Synology NAS, such as dsm.yourdomain.com, plex.yourdomain.com, etc.
What is the Trusted Certificate Authority service in DSM?
This allows your Synology NAS to act as its private certificate authority. It is useful for deploying custom certificates to clients on your local network, but it is not needed when using public trusted certificates.
Should I replace the default self-signed certificate during the initial DSM setup?
Yes, it’s recommended that you replace the default self-signed certificate with a free Let’s Encrypt certificate as soon as possible to avoid browser warnings.
What is the format for SSL certificate files imported into Synology?
Imported SSL certs should be in Apache format, typically with a .crt extension, and bundled with the intermediate and root certificates in a single file.
Can I use free SSL certificates for external services hosted on my Synology NAS?
Yes, free certificates from Let’s Encrypt can secure any externally facing services on your Synology device that are accessible via domains or subdomains.
What’s the easiest way to manage SSL certificates on multiple Synology NAS devices?
You can use a tool like SynoCertManager to manage and auto-renew certificates across multiple Synology servers from a central interface.
Do I need a new SSL certificate if I migrate DSM to a new Synology NAS?
Yes, the SSL certificate is tied to the specific NAS device. When migrating DSM, generate a new CSR using the latest hardware and request fresh certificates.
Can I use self-signed certificates instead of CA-signed ones?
Self-signed certificates are not recommended, as they still trigger browser warnings. CA-signed certificates are better for production use, while self-signed certificates are okay for testing.
What’s the benefit of a multi-domain (MDC) certificate over SAN for Synology NAS?
MDC certificates allow mixing different, unrelated domain names in one cert. With SAN, all domains must be related to each other in some form.
Should I use ECC or RSA encryption for my Synology NAS SSL certificate?
ECC certificates are smaller and use less CPU resources. But RSA remains more universally compatible. Choose RSA encryption unless you have a specific reason for using ECC.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
