StarLabs Glossary / Cybersecurity & Network Terms
NAS (Network Attached Storage)
A small storage box on your office network that everyone can share files from.
A NAS (network attached storage) is a dedicated storage device that plugs into your office network and lets staff save, share and back up files from their computers. It holds several hard drives, runs its own simple operating system, and is usually managed through a web browser rather than a keyboard and screen.
How it works
Think of a NAS as a lightweight file server. It sits in a cupboard or rack, connects to your network switch, and appears on staff computers as a shared drive or folder. You control who can see what by setting up user accounts and folder permissions.
Most business NAS units hold two or more drives combined using RAID. RAID spreads or mirrors data across drives so the NAS keeps working if one drive fails. That is useful, but it is not a backup. If a file is deleted, overwritten or encrypted by ransomware, RAID faithfully copies that mistake to every drive.
| NAS | Cloud storage (e.g. OneDrive, Google Drive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed in the office | Fast for large files on the local network | Depends on your internet connection |
| Remote access | Possible, but must be set up securely | Built in |
| Costs | Upfront hardware, drives replaced over time | Ongoing subscription per user |
| Who maintains it | You or your IT provider | The cloud provider runs the hardware |
A NAS suits offices that work with big files, such as design, video, engineering drawings or medical images, or that want a local backup target for PCs and servers. Many firms use both: cloud for everyday documents and a NAS for large files and fast local backups.
Keeping a NAS secure
- Never expose the NAS admin page directly to the internet. Use a VPN or the vendor’s secure remote access instead.
- Install firmware updates promptly. NAS devices have been a favourite ransomware target.
- Use strong passwords, disable default admin accounts and turn on MFA where supported.
- Turn on snapshots, and back the NAS up somewhere else, ideally with an immutable or offline copy.
- Replace drives that show warnings, and plan to replace the unit before it reaches the end of vendor support.
What it means for your business
A NAS can be a cost-effective way to share and protect files, but only if it is looked after. An unpatched NAS that holds your only copy of company data is a risk, not a backup. StarLabs can size, set up and maintain a NAS, connect it into a 3-2-1 backup plan and keep its firmware and drives in good health.
Common questions
Is a NAS the same as a server?
A NAS is a type of server built mainly for storing and sharing files. A general server can also run business applications, databases and user accounts.
Is RAID a backup?
No. RAID protects against a drive failing. It does not protect against deletion, ransomware, theft, fire or the NAS itself failing. You still need separate backups.
How long does a NAS last?
It varies by model and use. Drives wear out first, so monitor their health and replace them when warned. Replace the unit when the vendor stops issuing security updates.
Is your NAS patched and backed up?
StarLabs can review your storage setup and keep it maintained.
Reviewed by the StarLabs technical team · Last checked 18 October 2026
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