Private Internet Access Port Forwarding Setup for Secure Synology NAS Access

Accessing your Synology NAS remotely while keeping it secure is a common challenge for home users and small businesses. Setting up port forwarding through a VPN like Private Internet Access (PIA) provides a robust solution, creating a secure tunnel to your home network without exposing your NAS directly to the open internet. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from configuring PIA to connecting to your Synology services safely from anywhere.

What you’ll learn:

• Why using a VPN for port forwarding is safer than traditional methods
• A step-by-step setup for PIA on your router or Synology NAS
• How to test and troubleshoot your secure remote connection

Why Traditional Port Forwarding is a Security Risk

Standard port forwarding on your home router works by opening a specific port and directing incoming traffic to a device on your local network, like your Synology NAS. While this makes your services accessible from the internet, it also exposes your device's IP address and the service running on that port. This is a significant security vulnerability, as it can be discovered by malicious actors scanning for open ports, potentially leading to unauthorized access attempts or attacks on your network.

By using a VPN with dedicated port forwarding capabilities, you add a critical layer of security. Instead of your NAS being visible to the entire internet, it only communicates with the secure VPN server. The VPN server acts as a middleman, handling all incoming connections through its own fortified infrastructure. This means your home IP address remains hidden, and all data traveling between you and your NAS is encrypted.

Getting Started with Private Internet Access Port Forwarding

Private Internet Access is one of the few premium VPN providers that still offers a manual port forwarding feature, making it an excellent choice for this specific use case. The first step is to ensure you have an active PIA subscription. If you don't have one yet, you can get started with Private Internet Access here.

Once you have an account, you need to log in to the Members Area on the PIA website. Navigate to the port forwarding section, which is typically found under your account settings. Here, you will generate a dedicated port number. PIA will assign you a random port, which you will use later in the setup process. Make a note of this number, as it is your key to accessing your NAS remotely.

Choosing Your Setup Method: Router vs. NAS

You have two primary methods for integrating PIA with your Synology NAS: installing the VPN client directly on the NAS itself or configuring it on your compatible home router. Installing the PIA app directly on your Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is often the simpler method, especially for users who are not comfortable flashing custom firmware on their routers.

The router method, however, has a significant advantage: it protects every device on your network, not just the NAS. If your router supports VPN client functionality (often found in models that can run open-source firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt), all internet traffic from your home is encrypted and routed through the VPN. For a detailed look at VPN compatibility with various devices, check out our guide on VPNs for different devices.

Step-by-Step: Configuring PIA on Your Synology NAS

If you've chosen the NAS method, follow these steps to establish the secure connection.

1. Log into DSM: Open your web browser and navigate to your Synology NAS's local IP address to access the DSM interface.
2. Open Network Interface: Go to “Control Panel” > “Network” > “Network Interface.”
3. Create a New VPN Profile: Click “Create” > “VPN Profile.”
4. Enter PIA Server Details:
   • Select “OpenVPN” as the connection type.
   • Profile Name: Give it a recognizable name, like “PIA Port Forwarding.”
   • Server Address: You need a specific PIA server that supports port forwarding. Consult PIA's help documents for a current list, such as a server in Switzerland or Canada.
   • Username & Password: These are your PIA service credentials.
   • Certificate: You will need to import the CA certificate from PIA. You can usually download this from their website.
5. Import the Configuration: You may also need to import an .ovpn configuration file for your chosen server, which can be downloaded from the PIA website.
6. Connect: After saving the profile, select it from the list in “Network Interface” and click “Connect.”

Once connected, your Synology NAS's internet traffic is now routed through the PIA VPN. You can verify this by visiting a “what is my IP” website from the NAS's built-in browser; it should show the IP of the PIA server, not your home IP.

Activating and Using Your Forwarded Port

With the VPN connection active, it's time to put your forwarded port to work. Remember the port number you generated in the PIA Members Area? You will now use that port to access your Synology services.

Instead of connecting directly to your home IP address, you will connect to the IP address of the PIA server you are connected to, using the specific forwarded port. For example, to access DSM, you would point your remote browser to PIA-Server-IP-Address:Your-Forwarded-Port.

You will likely need to configure your Synology applications to be aware of this port. For DSM, go to “Control Panel” > “Login Portal” > “DSM” and add your custom port to the list of HTTP/HTTPS ports. For other services like Surveillance Station or a media server, you will need to specify the custom port in their respective advanced settings.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even with a correct setup, you might run into issues. Here are solutions to common problems.

• Connection Timeout: This often means the PIA server IP or port is incorrect. Double-check that you are using the exact server address and the port number assigned in your PIA account. Also, ensure your NAS's firewall is not blocking the connection.
• Port Not Open: Sometimes, the forwarded port may not activate until there is traffic requesting it. Try connecting to it from an external network (e.g., using your phone's cellular data) to trigger the activation.
• Slow Speeds: VPNs can sometimes reduce connection speeds. Try connecting to a different PIA server that supports port forwarding and is geographically closer to you for better performance.

For more general tips on maintaining your privacy, our privacy guides offer a wealth of information.

Is PIA the Best Choice for Your NAS?

Private Internet Access excels in this specific scenario due to its reliable port forwarding feature and strong commitment to privacy with a proven no-logs policy. However, it's always wise to consider alternatives based on your needs, such as connection speed or server location availability.

Best VPN this month: For users who prioritize a balance of high-speed connections, robust security, and ease of use, NordVPN is a top-tier contender worth exploring.

Setting up port forwarding with Private Internet Access transforms how you access your Synology NAS. It replaces a risky, exposed connection with a secure, encrypted tunnel, giving you peace of mind along with convenient remote access. The initial configuration is a straightforward process that pays off in long-term security. Don't leave your personal data and network services vulnerable. Secure your Synology NAS with Private Internet Access today and enjoy safe, remote access from anywhere in the world.