Assuming one had an ancient NAS - How would you use it?

[Bearded Blunder]

Was tempted to ask this in the Security section.

The key detail being the unit supports ONLY SMBv1 with no path to upgrade other than complete replacement.

Other than as a doorstop, or on an isolated network (no internet). How would one use such an item securely?

Interested in any sample configurations you can come up with which don't require everyone on the LAN re-enabling the venerable, but wisely shut off protocol.

 

[xrobwx71]

You cannot. Not only considering security but anything electronic with age can suddenly die leaving you with lost data in the case of a restore is needed.

 

[Bearded Blunder]

A point. However, some might keep backups of their backups, since newer hardware has also been known to fail.

 

[xrobwx71]

How would one use such an item securely?

This is the question I was addressing.

One can certainly keep backups of backups, I do at home and work. Work, I have 3 plus a copy is sent to a NAS at my house.

 

[Bearded Blunder]

So basically all such units are e-waste, regardless if they function as well as they did the day they were built.

 

[xrobwx71]

Perhaps someone else has another opinion but for me personally, I'd never use one. You'd be better off getting an external USB HDD.

Curious, how many users on this LAN?
What brand is the NAS?

Again, my personal opinion.

 

[Bearded Blunder]

Not mine, so the answer on the LAN varies, I use the same manufacturer, (Drobo) but their direct attached units, of which I have one recent & one stone-age, but security isn't an issue over USB, just slow transfer with the old one (and single parity RAID with the old one too, not a good idea with big drives, rebuilds for failed drives get risky).

People however, frequently turn up on the associated forum or reddit, having resurrected or bought an old multi-bay NAS unit off evilbay, where the NAS units fetch inflated prices, asking why their Windows 10 machine can't see it, & what they can do about it.

I'd have liked to be able to give at least a slightly kinder answer than "Sorry, you've been had, don't use it at all if you value security, go buy something current".

 

[xrobwx71]

I would look into installing some form of Linux on the NAS. One, that would fix the security issue and enable customization.

I've never done it but I have read it's feasible. I'm at work and don't have time to research but if you can wait until this evening 6PM CST, I can look into it.

In the meantime, just Google some different phrases regarding installing Linux on a NAS.

 

[Bearded Blunder]

Any other brand that's probably feasible, flashing different firmware on one of those with updated Linux.. So far as I'm aware really isn't practical.

 

[andrewlen]

Assuming the NAS unit has an IDE or SATA drive unit installed, it should be possible to remove it and install it into a caddy (USB) to make use of, but I wouldn't be relying on it given its age.