QNAP Releases QTS 5.2 Firmware Update with Ransomware Protection, Among Others – Computer – News

QNAP has released a firmware update for its NAS systems. QTS 5.2 includes a new “Security Center” that will protect network drives from ransomware. It is also possible to back up system configurations and create images for Windows computers.

QNAP has QTA 5.2 has been released. As a final version, after previously being available as a beta. This is a major update with several features, most notably the Security Center. This is a feature that actively scans files for any suspicious activity. For example, if many encrypted files are suddenly added or existing files are encrypted, the system will automatically create new backups or block them. With this, QNAP expects to be able to stop ransomware attacks. In recent years, there have been several ransomware attacks on QNAP systems. This has also happened to consumers, who are not usually interesting victims of ransomware, but sometimes have publicly accessible NAS systems.

There are also several other security improvements in the firmware. For example, the firmware now supports OpenSSL LTS 3.0.9 and is integrated AppArmorIn addition, there is support for that. TCG Ruby Standard Self-encrypting drives have been added. Ruby is a new standard for drives with an SED controller. This is particularly interesting for NAS systems with NVMe drives, but in practice it will primarily benefit business users in data centers.

QTS 5.2 also supports Kernel SMB Daemon mode on top, an acceleration technology that makes flash storage in particular faster. Furthermore, NAS systems should be able to boot and shut down up to thirty percent faster and it will be easier to better integrate NAS with Active Directory domains.

The new firmware also allows for backup of the NAS’s system configurations. Users no longer need to set everything up again during a reset. Finally, the associated NetBak PC Agent software allows for the creation and restoration of a Windows system image.