Buffalo NAS - Purpose-Built for Data Security

For many businesses, network-attached storage (NAS) has long been valued for its functionality and affordability as a secure file server for data storage and backup. NAS devices often come with native features to prevent data loss such as RAID, antivirus, data encryption, etc., and as a result can be easily integrated into many data security strategies.

Due to the popularity of NAS, they are increasingly becoming targets in today’s era of rampant cyberattack rates. Many NAS manufacturers have appeared in recent technology headline news for ttacks that resulted in unauthorized access and data breaches, especially under ransomware strains such as eCh0raix and DeadBolt.

While there is no foolproof data protection method, a multi-layer data security strategy that integrates a NAS with robust data protection features can go a long way in keeping your data safe. Buffalo TeraStation devices are designed for data security, with built-in data security features on every level to protect your data.

Real-Time Threat Detection for Proactive Ransomware Protection

Buffalo’s real-time threat detection feature actively identifies and notifies you of events that could signal a potential ransomware attack. This feature is available on TeraStation 3030 and 5020 series.

File Count/Size Change Detection* - Receive notifications if the number of files or the total size of files is suddenly changed in a folder.
File Extension Change Detection - Receive notifications if the extension is changed for any file in a folder.
Login Attempt Monitoring - Receive notifications if there are multiple failed login attempts by a certain user or IP address, with the option to automatically block them for a period of time.
Firewall (Packet Filtering) - You can now configure rules that determine which communication is permitted/denied for granulated access protection.

Snapshots to Mitigate Ransomware and Backup Errors

To further combat ransomware, the Buffalo TeraStation 5020 and 7010 series utilize a snapshot feature: by creating a virtual copy of the data currently stored on the NAS that is merely a fracture of the actual data size, you can quickly restore from the last snapshot capture point and be on your way. The snapshot feature allows you to instantly create a virtual copy of the data currently stored in a shared folder or iSCSI volume on the TeraStation, and is a fast and efficient method to quickly back up and restore data at short intervals.

Data protection needs to be straightforward and reliable. Regardless of the business size, NAS data protection (and more importantly, recovery) needs to be fast and flexible in order to protect stored files and maintain uptime. Many competitor NAS devices offer inadequate ransomware protection in that should data become compromised, you would have to tediously restore the whole system from backup, which can create downtime that can cripple a business. Snapshot can be an invaluable tool in your arsenal to combat ransomware.

Immutable Storage for Next-Level Data Protection

Protect your data from ransomware and accidental deletion with the built-in immutable snapshot feature on the Buffalo TeraStation 5020 series—with no licensing fees. You can create immutable snapshots either on the fly or at scheduled intervals, as well as create immutable snapshots as part of data transfer processes such as data backup, replication, and failover.

Immutable snapshots cannot be modified or deleted as long as the protection period is active, and are compatible with all storage protocols. Immutable storage ensures next-level data protection for regulatory compliance, long-term retention, and business continuity.

A Closed System to Prevent Exploitation of 3^rd Party Apps

Ransomware is a significant threat to data security. There has been a sharp elevation in ransomware attacks that are particularly targeting NAS, with attackers knowing that businesses often keep their essential data on a NAS. Apps installed on a NAS usually contribute greatly to this issue—if any apps are not promptly updated to patch vulnerabilities, attackers are only all too happy to exploit them.

While most competitors’ devices allow third party apps to be installed via an app store, which is a possible vector for malware and other cyberthreats, all TeraStations run on a closed system—with not even the system administrator having root rights. A closed system prevents third-party apps from being installed, bypassing such avenues of attack.

Data Security and Compliance

Compliance isn’t a hurdle; it’s a strategic advantage in a strong security framework. Strong compliance practices ensure that security isn’t an afterthought but a built-in safeguard, reducing risks, preventing breaches, and keeping organizations accountable. After all, a secure system isn’t truly secure unless it also meets the necessary legal and regulatory standards. 

Not all data storage solutions are created equal. Buffalo's TeraStation network storage solutions meet common public sector industry compliance standards such as FIPS, TAA, and NDAA can be a crucial part of a strong data security strategy. Find out more about our product compliance information.

Multi-Factor Authentication to Protect Your Credentials

Credential theft has been on the rise in recent years and is quickly becoming the top method of security breaches across the globe. Attackers typically exploit a common user oversight—weak login passwords—to gain access to user accounts, and utilize those accounts to further infiltrate the system. In order to mitigate this, Buffalo TeraStations come with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect the integrity of your login information.

Even if you are not aware of the name, you are likely already familiar with the process. MFA is an authentication method that requires you to enter a verification code in addition to your username and password when you log in to your NAS before you are authorized to enter. This verification code is sent to your mobile device to prevent attackers from intercepting or compromising your login information online, especially if you are logging in remotely.

MFA can significantly improve data security for your NAS, and enabling MFA on your Buffalo NAS is a good cybersecurity hygiene practice that can help prevent a possible data breach or ransomware attack. MFA is available on Buffalo TeraStation 3030, 5020, and 7010 network-attached storage devices. Click here to learn how to enable MFA for your Buffalo NAS.

Buffalo’s Commitment to Data Security

Network-attached storage is a reliable and flexible data storage and backup solution, but businesses should not only consider the speed and capacity of a NAS system for their IT environment, but also that it will remain secure in the long run.

Buffalo’s acclaimed TeraStations are designed to offer the perfect mix of security and utility. With nuanced data protection features such as drive encryption, two-factor authentication, and a closed system, Buffalo prides itself in providing easy-to-use data storage solutions that offer the security, stability, and simplicity you need so you can manage your data with peace of mind. Along with our award-winning, 24/7 North America-based technical support, our generous hardware warranty, and free simple logical data recovery service, we work hard to make sure our NAS contributes to your success.

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* TeraStation 5020 series only, from Version 2.10