Synology DSM 7.2 - All You Need to Know

Synology has announced the beta version of its DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.2 operating system, which brings several new features to the company's network-attached storage (NAS) products. Among the most notable capabilities of the new DSM is the new name for Docker (Container Manager), immutable storage and backup, fast full-volume encryption, and stricter access controls to create a true data fortress. Here's a summary of the new features:

• WriteOnce folders: Provides technically enforceable data retention policies with WriteOnce shared folders that are locked down against modification or deletion. Folders can be protected for a defined period or disabled permanently.
• Container Manager (formerly Docker): The new name and user experience of the dependency management system allows for managing multiple containers from a user interface (UI) using Docker Compose architecture to update and cleanup containers.
• Synology Photos: The photo album management system now supports WebP and motion photos (Android) and has improved user functionality.
• New Defenses Against Attacks: The new Auto Block in DSM 7.2 covers Server Message Block connections, reducing the chances of brute-force attacks succeeding against weak user credentials.
• Adaptive Login Protection: The new Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (AMFA) feature now requires confirmation when DSM admin accounts are accessed from untrusted external connections.
• Block-Level Full-System Backups: The new support for block-level full-system backups in Hyper Backup significantly speeds up the backup process for a large amount of data.
• Turbocharge VM Performance: M.2 NVMe storage volumes allow users to speed up larger volumes with SSD cache or create all-flash storage volumes.
• Full-Volume Encryption: Full Volume Encryption allows for the protection of Shared Folders, LUNs, and package data against physical theft of system and drives.
• Immutable Snapshots: The new Immutable Snapshots in Snapshot Replication safely store immutable copies of users' data to defend against compromised administrator credentials.

Self-hosters who use Synology as their go-to network-attached storage device rely heavily on container management for running their applications. By leveraging the updated DSM 7.2, they can initiate or manage multi-container applications more effectively, including updates and cleanups. The new Docker architecture creates an environment where self-hosters benefit from more fine-grained control over multiple container applications in a cost-efficient way.

While some of these features are not yet available on the beta version, DSM 7.2 will soon be available to download for Synology customers.

Final Notes and Thoughts

Synology DSM 7.2 seems to have addressed some of the challenges of data backup efficiency, remote work, and data security for Synology users. It is worth noting that the changes in DSM 7.2 are not merely cosmetic but are carefully selected to protect Synology users from potentially damaging cyberattacks that can originate from weak user credentials or other vulnerabilities.

You can download and test DSM 7.2 Beta at the bottom of the Synology announcement page.