Synology makes some of the best network-attached storage (NAS) for personal and business use, though you’d be forgiven for not knowing about Synology C2, the company’s cloud platform. It’s through C2 that Synology can offer cloud-based solutions for password management, backups, and long-term storage. There are some cool things you can do with Synology C2, even if you’ve never touched a branded NAS before, and here are some highlights to get you started.
4
Use Synology’s password manager
Keep all of your accounts safe
Every account you own should have a randomly generated password, consisting of different cases, numbers, and special characters. This is a tried and tested method to keep your accounts safe from attacks — and yes, “Password123” was one of the more popular choices for many. Enter C2 Password and Synology’s cloud backend. Just like Bitwarden and some other secure password managers, Synology’s platform offers a means to securely store credentials in a personal vault for free, though paid plans are available for families and businesses.
You’ll find familiar features, such as tagging and categorization, and support for addresses, banking information, and passport details. With the optional Plus upgrade, you’ll unlock access for five accounts to be created on the cloud platform with a vault for each individual and a shared vault for credentials you wish for others to see. There’s an app for iOS, Android, as well as the more popular browsers. While it may not be quite as secure as running your own password manager from a NAS (and it’s a shame Synology doesn’t offer this), it’s a great solution.
Related
Why you should have been using Bitwarden since yesterday
Keep all your passwords safe with this open-source, cross-platform manager.
3
A single identity across multiple services
Synology C2 Identity is great for businesses and those who wish to administer multiple accounts across a few different platforms. It’s free for up to 250 users and 10 devices, supporting a single edge server (which can be an on-premises Synology NAS), and can integrate with directories. Though you do lose out on the built-in password manager and customizable login pages, it’s a great tier for power users who wish to enjoy many of the benefits that come with C2 Identity without the overhead of a large organization.
Supporting five cloud apps and 10 devices will see you configuring local support for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace accounts, synchronizing everything between the C2 cloud infrastructure and your local servers. If you’re using a Synology NAS as an LDAP Server and wish to remain within the Synology ecosystem, this could be viewed as the logical next step.
2
Back up everything from all your devices
Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule or else…
We’re always banging on about how following the 3-2-1 backup rule is incredibly important for safeguarding your data against potential attacks, ransomware included. Synology C2 Backup is a means to accomplish this with a single copy stored off-site. Synology offers three tiers with varying storage capacity and a range of data centers, though this is mainly marketed to those without access to a local NAS. Both macOS and Windows are supported, and you can even include Microsoft OneDrive to ensure everything is backed up.
C2 Object Storage is your choice for long-term cold storage with user-friendly pricing. Although Amazon, Azure, and Google Cloud may seem like good deals on paper, you’re not seeing the whole picture. What’s often omitted from marketed pricing is the cost of retrieving data. Storing it is one thing, but oftentimes, companies will charge you to download everything you have on their servers. Synology has a flat fee per year, costing $69.99 per TB. All that’s charged is $0.01 per GB downloaded beyond your total storage capacity each month.
This makes it a viable option for storing a lot of data off-premises.
Related
5 reasons you need to set up cold storage for your backups
Having backups of any kind is good, but cold storage can be preferable in certain ways
1
Create the ultimate DIY surveillance system
Protect your home and everyone inside
If you wish to create a home surveillance system using a few IP cameras and your Synology NAS, you may wish to take a gander at C2 Backup for Surveillance. Storing video footage takes a lot of storage space, which is where C2 can lend a helping hand by retaining a copy of security recordings, which can prove invaluable even if your Synology NAS is damaged or stolen. The service integrates with Surveillance Station on Synology DSM, allowing you to quickly set everything up with minimal fuss.
Taking advantage of a handy web portal for all your stored footage in the cloud, Synology offers convenient ways to browse through files with snappy online playback and generate sharing links with a single click for third parties — perfect for loved ones or your insurance provider. While not free, you’re charged per camera with the basic tier, storing footage for up to seven days. Your primary means of storing this data should continue to be your Synology NAS, but it’s a nice peace of mind, if required.
Synology C2 can be useful for everyone
Even if you don’t currently use a Synology NAS, there are ways to work Synology’s C2 cloud platform into your daily life. It’s unique to Synology NAS enclosures in that no other brand offers a similar solution. Synology has certainly made moves away from being just a NAS maker and is working its way into the services game, but the C2 cloud platform is pretty robust with its current offerings. From managing passwords and setting up directory integrations to backing up all your data and home surveillance footage, it’s quite the cloud-based solution.
