I'm looking to set up a Synology NAS at a remote location (a private home) for offsite backups. Currently, we have our main server with a single VM that backs up to a local Synology NAS using Veeam Backup and Replication. I'm considering options for transferring backups safely, particularly through snapshot replication over an OpenVPN connection between NAS devices. However, I'm concerned about security since I'll need to open a port for incoming connections. The first backup will be about 2TB, so I'd prefer to run this initial backup while the offsite NAS is still at our office. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to proceed?
5 Answers
Using a Synology NAS for business backups at a private residence isn't ideal. Consider renting some colocation space that's at least 60-100 miles from your office. There are excellent options for offsite storage like Cloud Connect partners or cloud object storage options—think AWS, Azure, or Backblaze. And for backups, a dedicated physical server would be far more reliable than a SOHO NAS.
If you have to use a NAS at a remote location, I'd recommend setting up a Site-to-Site VPN and adding that NAS as a second backup repository in Veeam. Utilize all the enterprise features rather than relying solely on NAS capabilities.
Storing business data at someone's home raises a lot of red flags. It might turn into a compliance or recovery headache. I'd really recommend consulting with legal on this. Also, you'd want a robust firewall in front of any NAS to securely handle VPN data transfers. Just think about the risks of relying on someone's residence for your backups—what if something goes wrong?
You might not need to fuss with port forwarding if both Synology devices support Tailscale. It's a popular solution among users in the Synology community for simplifying direct connections without compromising security.
Honestly, private homes aren't the right place for storing business data. Just say no.
Exactly. You can't control that environment; if the homeowner decides to sell the NAS or if their place gets damaged, your data's at risk. Plus, think about the bandwidth—are you covering the costs for them? It's worth reconsidering where to store those backups.