Our world is increasingly driven and dependent on data. Our data isn’t always private, especially as it’s exposed to the internet, but there are ways to manage and control your data without compromising security, and one of those ways is with a NAS.

A network-attached storage (NAS) is a computer that functions as a centralized hub for storing all your files, data, and applications. While you can buy a dedicated device, you can also turn old PCs into a NAS or plug an SSD into your router if it supports shared storage. While a NAS is primarily for data storage, NAS devices can also operate as a home server for self-hosting applications. You can easily monitor your data and home network through pre-installed or open-source operating systems that make it easier to manage everything.

While a NAS requires you to be more hands-on with your files, you’ll learn a lot about networking and security in the process. Just make sure you have backup plans: a NAS solves many problems, but it’s always a good idea to have redundancy in place.

Digital files are getting bigger

Your phone and laptop will run out of space

From the photos you take to the games you play online, digital files have only increased in size over the years. As camera sensors, video resolutions, and software quality improve, our digital portfolios expand just as quickly. While those files grow exponentially, our device’s storage capacity is limited to handle everything. Once you run out of space, your devices can slow down and even experience performance issues.

You should run backups for your data anyway, but relocating your files to a NAS helps simplify organization and keeps your devices running smoothly. It’s an efficient way to store large photo libraries, video projects, and archives without cluttering your main devices.

Avoid the cloud

An expensive and not-always-secure option

Cloud storage services are often the first choice for moving digital files off your devices. Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud are all convenient, but once you exceed your free allotment, you’ll need to start paying a subscription fee, and those costs can climb quickly if you store high-quality photos, videos, or large files.

Additionally, storing files in the cloud doesn’t automatically make them immune to security breaches. While large cloud providers generally maintain vigorous security and redundancy, no system is flawless, and Microsoft’s SharePoint servers were hacked as recently as July 2025. That said, a NAS isn’t immune to security breaches either, and you’ll still need to take steps to protect your data on your own.

Secure your data

Just keep in mind you’ll bear the responsibility for any casualties

Storing your data locally gives you much more control over how it’s used and who gets access to it. You can customize the security settings on your NAS, create user accounts for family members, encrypt your drives, and manage who has access to which folders. Most NAS operating systems, such as Synology DSM, TrueNAS, or OpenMediaVault, include built-in tools for encryption, remote access, and multi-user management. Just make sure to set up automatic updates for your NAS OS.

While it’s tempting to think of a NAS as a secure end-all solution to housing your data, it’s not fully safe without some redundancy, and you should at least use the 3-2-1 backup rule. The rule entails creating three copies of your data, stored in two different types of storage, with one copy stored in a separate location. Additionally, many NAS users choose not to expose their devices to the internet at all, at the risk of inadvertently exposing their connected devices and personal data to bots or attackers.

Use a hybrid approach or host on your NAS

If you already have a self-hosting server, a NAS is a useful storage option for your media library. You can use free software like Plex or Jellyfin to host a media center on your NAS, though it may take some configuring. Self-hosting your own media can help you reduce your streaming subscriptions and create a single, searchable library that houses your collection of movies, TV shows, and music. If your devices are compatible with Jellyfin and Plex, you can easily stream across different TVs, tablets, and phones.

Start self-hosting apps

Your NAS is a versatile space

There are free self-hosted applications for almost everything, from fitness trackers to note-taking, and most of them can run on your NAS. Keep in mind that running your NAS as a server will come with plenty of challenges, particularly as you host an increasing number of services (the least of which is noise). Still, a NAS is one way to consolidate your applications and protect your data from third-party services. Some developers opt for a hybrid approach, keeping storage devices separate from self-hosting devices.

Save on your energy bill

Especially compared to the energy costs of home servers

Pre-built NAs devices are specifically designed for energy efficiency. They use low-power processors and optimized hardware, making it significantly easier on your energy bill compared to a typical home server. Plus, if you’re not self-hosting applications, you can use automated power scheduling to avoid running your NAS 24/7 and schedule automatic updates and backups during off-peak hours.

Easy to transfer and access files anywhere

A convenient plus

Multiple users and devices can access your NAS simultaneously, upload files to it, and manage files concurrently. Whether you’re sharing family photos, managing work documents, or collaborating on a project at home, a NAS makes sharing files simple. For remote access, you can use secure apps like Synology’s QuickConnect, TailScale, or Resilio Sync. Just don’t forget to use a VPN so you’re not exposing your NAS to the internet.

A NAS can evolve with your needs

As our digital footprints grow, managing data efficiently, securely, and affordably is more important than ever. A NAS offers a solution for managing your data securely while storing, streaming, and self-hosting. Since NAS devices are scalable, you can add more hard drives, utilize additional NAS units, and combine a NAS with cloud storage, depending on how your needs evolve over time. Just remember, your NAS storage system is only as secure as the security protocols you’re following.