How do I secure a non-OS FTP server?

Question

I recently bought a D-Link DNS-323 Network attached storage (NAS) to work as a backup device for multiple computers. Most of the computers I want to back up are all on the same local network, so I can back up my data behind my router's firewall. However, one of the computers is on a completely different internet connection all together, and it is causing some problems. The NAS can act as an FTP server, and I thought connecting through the internet was a solution until I found out how inherently insecure FTP (by itself) is. I need a way to secure the data over the internet so no prying eyes with a packet sniffer can see the data/get my FTP password.

I would rather not use a FTP client because some of the people that will have access to the NAS are not as 'computer literate,' so if I can keep it looking like a network drive on the other computer that would be optimal (nonetheless, I don't even know if a FTP client would work(?); there is no 'OS' on the other end...). Is there any way I can make this work?

Info on this product can be found here:
http://www.dlink.ca/products/?sec=0&pid=509
http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/d-link-dns-323/4505-3190_7-32002040.html?tag=rnav

Answer 1

SFTP, basically SSH tunnels. It's a trivial task with Linux or Mac systems and doable under Windows, just a little bit of a pain. SFTP uses encryption and it has error checking unlike FTP. You will need to open up port 22. You can install free SSH/SFTP support. You'll need to bypass the router most likely and do it point to point. Setting up essentially a VPN but without the headaches and hassles of a full scale VPN.

Answer 2

FTP is the only way to go for transferring large amounts of data over the internet.



The best alternative is to buy a WiFi adapter and connect the isolated computer to the network.

Answer 3

Windows 2000 NT is one of the best OS for a home server, but Windows 2000 is also great too...