# How to access files in your NAS from anywhere without compromising its security

## Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

[Network-Attached Storage (NAS)](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/nas/) devices provide a convenient solution for storing and sharing vast amounts of data, including media files and computer backups. When connected to a local network, a NAS device is assigned a private IP address, enabling robust and flexible data sharing within the network. However, remote access to NAS data can present security challenges.

As remote work, online learning, and the demand for reliable entertainment options continue to grow, it is crucial to find a secure and user-friendly way to share data between geographically dispersed networks. For example, educators need a reliable method for storing and sharing large amounts of data with their students in virtual classrooms. Common NAS remote access options have their drawbacks, such as expensive cloud storage solutions or techniques that rely on [port forwarding](https://nordvpn.com/blog/port-forwarding/), exposing the data to potential attackers.

[Meshnet](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/) revolutionizes NAS remote access by combining strong encryption with an easy setup to provide a secure experience when accessing data from distant locations.

By following the step-by-step guide in this article, you can set up remote access to your NAS device from anywhere.

## Prerequisites <a href="#prerequisites" id="prerequisites"></a>

To prepare for the setup process, ensure you have the following:

* A host device you can use for [traffic routing](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/routing-traffic-in-meshnet#feature-availability).
* The local IP address and [port number](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-my-port/) (if required) of your NAS device. To find this information, refer to the user manual of your NAS device.
* The host device and the NAS device are connected to the same [local area network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-lan/) (LAN).

## Set up a host device <a href="#set-up-a-host-device" id="set-up-a-host-device"></a>

The first step is to set up Meshnet on a desktop device connected to your local network. This device will serve as an intermediary between your client devices and the NAS device you want to access remotely.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

Mobile devices cannot be used as hosts.
{% endhint %}

### Enable Meshnet <a href="#enable-meshnet" id="enable-meshnet"></a>

1. On the device you've chosen to act as a host, [install NordVPN](https://nordvpn.com/download/).
2. Log in to your account and [turn on Meshnet](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/getting-started/how-to-start-using-meshnet).

### Manage Meshnet permissions <a href="#manage-meshnet-permissions" id="manage-meshnet-permissions"></a>

Once you've installed the app, make sure the following Meshnet permissions are enabled for all the peer devices that you want to have access to the NAS device:

* [Traffic routing permissions](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions)
* [Local network permissions](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions)

The permissions can be managed in the Meshnet menu of the NordVPN app.

## Route traffic through the host device <a href="#route-traffic-through-the-host-device" id="route-traffic-through-the-host-device"></a>

With the host device set up, you can begin routing traffic through it to access your NAS from outside of your home network. To do this, follow the steps provided in the [Routing traffic in Meshnet](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/routing-traffic-in-meshnet#see-also) article.

## Access your NAS device <a href="#access-your-nas-device" id="access-your-nas-device"></a>

Now that you’ve established the traffic routing connection, the client device can freely interact with all devices located in the host device’s LAN. This allows you to access your NAS device using an internet browser.

1. Open your internet browser.
2. In the address bar, enter the following, replacing `<IP>` with the local IP address of your NAS and `<Port>` with the port used by the NAS (if applicable).\
   &#x20;\
   `<IP>:<Port>`

For example, if your NAS device's local IP address is `192.168.1.100` and it uses port `5000`, enter:

`http://192.168.1.100:5000`

After entering the appropriate address, your NAS device's web interface should load, granting you full access to the device.


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