What should Synology NAS owners do to protect against the ransomware targeting outdated DSM installations?

Synology is directing customers to update DiskStation Manager (DSM) to address the issue. You can check for the latest version in DSM under Control Panel > Update & Restore.

Why are outdated DSM installations being targeted by attackers?

Old DSM versions may carry known security flaws that have already been fixed in newer releases, and once those fixes are public, attackers can look for devices that never received them. NAS devices are also attractive because they hold valuable data and are often set up once and forgotten.

How does ransomware typically reach a NAS device?

The article notes the specific attack method in this case is not detailed, but common routes include internet-exposed login pages or remote access, unpatched software, and weak or reused credentials.

How can I tell if my Synology NAS has been hit by ransomware?

Victims often first notice that file names or extensions have changed after ransomware encrypts files. The article points to a separate guide on recovery steps after L0CK3D ransomware hits a Synology NAS for what to do next.

What other steps besides updating DSM harden a Synology NAS?

The article recommends enabling automatic DSM updates, reviewing and disabling unused remote access, using strong unique passwords, disabling unneeded accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping separate backups.

Synology DSM Ransomware Update Push Hits Old NAS Systems

Synology has urged customers to update DiskStation Manager (DSM) after ransomware operators targeted outdated DSM installations. The source report is brief, and it does not name a specific ransomware family, vulnerability, or number of victims, so this post sticks to what is confirmed: older DSM versions are being picked on, and the fix Synology is pointing to is updating. If you own a network-attached storage (NAS) device, the Synology DSM ransomware update guidance is worth acting on today.

Why outdated DSM installations are being targeted

Attackers tend to go where the effort is lowest. A NAS running an old version of its operating system may carry known security flaws that have already been fixed in newer releases. Once those fixes are public, anyone can study what changed and look for devices that never received them.

NAS boxes are also attractive because of what they hold. Family photos, financial records, business documents, and often backups all sit in one place. Encrypting that data gives ransomware operators strong leverage, since victims may have no other copy.

And many NAS devices are set up once and then forgotten. They sit quietly in a closet or under a desk, running for years. That "set and forget" habit is exactly what makes outdated installations easy to find and easy to hit.

How ransomware reaches exposed home and office NAS devices

The source article does not detail the attack method used in this case, so we cannot say exactly how these intrusions happen. In general, though, ransomware reaches a NAS through a few familiar routes:

Internet exposure: If the device's login page or remote access features are reachable from the open internet, automated scanners can find it.
Unpatched software: Known flaws in older DSM versions can give attackers a way in without needing a password.
Weak or reused credentials: Simple admin passwords and accounts that were never disabled make guessing attacks far easier.

Once inside, ransomware encrypts files and typically demands payment for their return. Victims often first notice that file names or extensions have changed. If that sounds like what you are seeing, our guide on recovery steps after L0CK3D ransomware hits a Synology NAS walks through what to do next.

A practical hardening checklist for your Synology NAS

Updating is the first step, but a few other habits close most of the common gaps.

Update DSM now. In DSM, open Control Panel and go to Update & Restore to check for the latest version. Updates can restart the device, so pick a quiet time.
Turn on automatic updates for DSM where it suits your setup, so the device does not drift out of date again.
Review remote access settings. Check which services are reachable from outside your network, and switch off anything you do not actively use.
Use strong, unique passwords for every account, and disable accounts you no longer need.
Enable two-factor authentication for admin and user logins.
Keep backups separate. A copy stored on the same NAS is not a real backup. Keep at least one copy offline or on a different system.
Consider snapshots. Snapshot features can help you roll back after an attack, depending on your DSM version and configuration.

None of these steps requires special expertise, and together they make a device a much harder target than the one left untouched for years.

Why a VPN beats exposing your NAS to the internet

Many people open their NAS to the internet so they can reach files while traveling or working remotely. The trade-off is that the login page becomes visible to anyone scanning for it, including ransomware operators looking for outdated systems.

A safer pattern is to keep the NAS off the open web and connect to your home or office network through a VPN when you need access. With that setup, the device is not directly reachable from outside. You first authenticate to the VPN, then reach the NAS as if you were on the local network. This shrinks the attack surface considerably, because there is no public-facing NAS login to probe.

A VPN is not a substitute for updating. If an attacker gets onto your network by another route, an unpatched NAS is still vulnerable. Think of it as one layer alongside patching, strong credentials, and backups.

What This Means For You

If you run a Synology NAS at home or in a small office, the message is simple: do not assume the device is safe just because it has been running without trouble. Check your DSM version, install pending updates, and look at whether any of its services are exposed to the internet. If you have not logged in to your NAS in months, now is a good time.

If you manage a NAS for a small business, add it to your regular maintenance routine. A reminder every month to check for updates is a low-cost habit that avoids a high-cost problem.

Key takeaways

Update DSM today, and enable automatic updates if appropriate.
Review your remote access settings and turn off anything exposed that you do not need.
Reach your NAS through a VPN rather than opening it to the internet.
Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and separate backups.
If you suspect an infection, disconnect the device from the network and follow our L0CK3D ransomware recovery steps.

The Synology DSM ransomware update push is a reminder that old software is an open invitation. A few minutes spent patching and tightening access today can spare you a much harder day later.