Concerning message from my Synology NAS

#1

I got this message today from my NAS:
"Due to changes in default gateway settings, the feature of port forwarding rules has been enabled."

I have no prior experience with a NAS -- mine is solely running Channels (and Docker, for Pluto) -- so I don't know what might have changed to trigger the enabling of port forwarding.

I've been a little nervous about putting something on my home network I don't fully understand, because it feels like a vulnerability to hackers. Getting this message revives my concerns about someone entering my network and fiddling around with stuff.

Does anyone know what it means?

Thanks!

#2

Read this thread: Notification "Port forward rules enabled": what's the reason for that? on Synology's forums.

Long story short: You have a thing called "Universal Plug and Play" (UPnP) enabled on your router. Like pretty much anything computer and network gear manufacturers have created to make life "easier" for consumers: UPnP is flawed and dangerous. It should NEVER be enabled on ANY network gear (routers, access points, network switches), IMO.

Something changed on your router. I'm guessing you got a new IP address? Because of UPnP your Synology NAS noticed this. The NAS and router cooperated (or conspired--take your pick :wink: ) to accommodate that change.

Things like port forwarding should only ever be done consciously, manually, IMO.

1 Like
#3

Thanks for the input. I turned off UPnP on my router, and set manual port forwarding to get Channels remote access back up and running.

Feels safer now, and hopefully I'm good to go. Thanks again!

1 Like