Security fundamentals
The principle of least privilege means granting users and devices only the minimum access necessary to perform their tasks, never more. This approach limits potential damage from compromised accounts or accidental actions and is a core concept in modern security, including zero trust models. Apply this principle throughout your Unraid configuration, especially when creating share users and assigning permissions.
Controlling access to shared folders
Choosing a network file sharing protocol
When sharing files with your Unraid server over your home or office network, you have some choices about how to connect. Unraid supports popular methods, known as communication protocols, that help devices talk to each other.
| Protocol | Primary Use | Advantage | Disadvantage | Recommended Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMB (Server Message Block) | Native Windows/macOS integration | Built-in Windows support; supports printers and VM storage; fast with large files | Older versions (SMBv1) insecure; slower with small files | Windows and Mac networks; mixed resource environments (printers, VMs) |
| NFS (Network File System) | Native Unix/Linux integration | Optimized for Linux/Unix; efficient with small files; low overhead | Requires extra tools for Windows; network reliability critical; limited locking | Linux and Unix environments; small file operations; static data workloads |
| FTP (File Transfer Protocol) | Cross-platform compatibility | Works via browsers and clients; simple setup; batch file transfers | No encryption (plaintext authentication); no integrity checks; outdated security model | Non-sensitive data; legacy systems; quick cross-OS transfers |
Starting with Unraid version 6.9, support for AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) has been removed. To ensure that your Mac computers work well with your Unraid server, including features like Time Machine backups, go to Settings → SMB and turn on Enhanced macOS interoperability.
Deciding which protocol to use depends on the types of devices you have and what you need to do with your files. By default, Unraid enables SMB because it's widely supported by modern Windows and macOS systems. NFS and FTP are turned off but can be enabled if needed.
For instance, if you use an FTP client to connect to your Unraid server, you can easily transfer large files and even pause and resume your uploads or downloads if needed.
Managing network visibility of shares
You can set up different access permissions for your network folders (shares) in Unraid by:
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Go to the Shares Tab: Start by clicking on the Shares tab in the WebGUI.
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Select a Share: Choose an existing share that you want to adjust.
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Scroll to Security Settings: At the bottom of the share settings page, you’ll see a section for security options for each network protocol that is enabled.
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Adjust the Export Setting: This setting controls how the share appears on the network. You have three options:
- Yes: The share is visible and anyone browsing the network can access it.
- Yes (Hidden): The share won’t show up in the network browse lists, but if someone knows the name of the share, they can still access it.
- No: The share is completely hidden and not accessible through that specific protocol.
By tweaking these options, you can manage who can see and access each share, making it easier to keep everything secure while ensuring the right people have the access they need, whether they are using SMB, NFS, or FTP connections.
Setting user permissions for shares
Share security controls how users access shared files on your system. You can set up a share to require a username and password for accessing files, limit access to read-only, or make it completely public with no credentials needed.
If you create a movies share on your Unraid server, you can choose whether to require a valid username and password just for reading data or allow public access. If you need to add users, a root user can create share users by following the process in User management.
When you go to the Shares tab and select a share, you’ll see its settings, including a security section where you can manage access permissions based on the protocols you have enabled. This way, you can tailor who has access to your files depending on their needs.
The Security setting has the following options:
| Type | Explanation | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Open access: Everyone can read and write to this folder. | Suitable for non-sensitive information, like shared media or public downloads. |
| Secure | Limited access: Everyone can read, but only certain users can write. | Good for shared projects where collaboration is needed, like team folders. |
| Private | Restricted access: Only specific users can read or write. | Ideal for sensitive information, such as financial records or personal documents. |
Modern versions of Windows (Windows 10 1709+, Windows 11, Server 2019+) block access to Public (guest/anonymous) SMB shares by default, due to stricter security policies. Attempting to connect to a public share will usually fail unless you manually enable insecure guest logons in Windows settings - which is not recommended for security reasons.
Best Practice: Set up user accounts and passwords for your Unraid shares and connect using those credentials for reliable access from Windows.
Credential Limitation: Windows only allows one set of login credentials per server at a time. If you try to connect to different shares on the same server with different credentials, the connection will fail.
Workaround: If you encounter credential issues, try connecting to one share using the server's name and another using its IP address. Windows treats these as separate servers.
For more details, see Microsoft's documentation on SMB guest access.
Network security
Set a strong root password
When you first access the WebGUI after install, you are required to set a password for the root user. However, Unraid does not enforce password complexity requirements - it's up to you as the user to set the degree of password security for your server.
- Go to the Users tab, select the root user, and set a password.
- Consider using the Dynamix Password Validator plugin from Community Apps for real-time strength feedback.
- For additional guidance, check out the Bitwarden password strength tool provided online.
Review and minimize port forwarding
Forwarding ports from your router to your Unraid server can be necessary for remote access to services, but it exposes your network to significant risks. Only forward ports that you fully understand and need.
| Port(s) | Typical use | Security risk | Safer alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 / 443 | WebGUI (HTTP/HTTPS) | Exposes management interface; risk of interception or brute force if password is weak | Use Unraid Connect for secure remote access to the WebGUI |
| 445 | SMB (file shares) | Exposes shares to the internet; risk of data theft or deletion | Use VPN for secure remote file access |
| 111 / 2049 | NFS | Exposes NFS shares; similar risks as SMB | Use VPN for remote access |
| 22 / 23 | SSH/Telnet | Exposes console access; risk of brute force or credential theft | Use SSH keys or VPN; never forward Telnet |
| 57xx | VNC for VMs | Exposes VM consoles; risk of unauthorized remote access | Use Unraid Connect or VPN |
If you see a port forwarding rule you don’t understand, remove it and monitor for issues. You can always re-add it if necessary.
Never put your server in your network's DMZ. Placing your Unraid server in the DMZ exposes all ports to the internet, dramatically increasing the risk of a compromise. Even with strong passwords, this is never recommended.
Share access security
Control share visibility and permissions
- Use the Shares tab in the WebGUI to set each share’s export and security settings.
- Prefer Private or Secure shares for sensitive data. Public shares are accessible by anyone on the network and are blocked by default in modern Windows versions for security reasons.
- Assign user accounts with only the permissions needed for their role (least privilege).
- Limit share access to specific users whenever possible.
Assign user permissions carefully
- Assign users to shares using Read-only or Read/Write access as required.
- The root user account is for system administration and can't access network shares. Create dedicated user accounts for network share access.
- Regularly review user permissions and remove unused accounts.
Restrict share access to private or read-only
While passwordless access to shares is convenient, it can also put your data at risk if devices on your local network become compromised. This includes PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and IoT devices. By default, Unraid shares are set to be publicly readable and writable, meaning any device on your network could potentially steal, delete, or encrypt your files if it gets compromised. Additionally, malicious users can upload unwanted data to your server.
- Set sensitive shares to Private in the shares tab of the WebGUI.
- If a Public share is necessary, set it to Read-only whenever possible.
- Only give write access to authorized users who have strong passwords.
Avoid exposing the flash share - or make it private
The Unraid flash device contains critical system and configuration files. While it may be convenient to expose the flash share over SMB for advanced configuration, this introduces significant risk if left public.
- Only expose the flash share if absolutely necessary and set it to Private.
- Require a username and strong password for access.
- Remove or disable the share when not in use to reduce risk.
Keep your server up to date
Regular updates are essential for security. New vulnerabilities (CVEs) are discovered frequently, and Lime Technology actively issues patches for Unraid OS. Updating is only effective if you actually apply the updates.
- Check for updates in Tools → Update OS in the WebGUI.
- Enable notifications in Settings → Notifications to be alerted when updates are available.
- Update plugins and Docker containers via the Apps tab to ensure all components are secure and compatible.
- Apply updates promptly to ensure your server is protected against known threats.
Use secure methods for remote administration
Never expose the WebGUI directly to the internet. Instead, use secure remote access solutions:
- Tailscale is a recommended option, with a dedicated plugin for Unraid. It creates a secure private network (tailnet) for accessing your server and services from anywhere, without the need to expose ports or configure complex firewall rules.
- WireGuard VPN is built into Unraid and provides a secure, encrypted tunnel for remote management.
- OpenVPN is available as a plugin or Docker container.
- Many modern routers offer built-in VPN support - check your router documentation for setup.
- The Unraid Connect plugin enables remote access to the WebGUI, but requires a port to be forwarded on your router.
* "WireGuard" and the "WireGuard" logo are registered trademarks of Jason A. Donenfeld.