Yes, it is feasible to secure folders by employing the user's IP address as a unique identifier.
Yes, it is feasible to secure folders by employing the user's IP address as a unique identifier.
I'm working on setting up a DIY NAS with Windows 10 Pro. I won't be using any partitions—it'll be a single large drive with three main folders: backups, media, and dads backup. It will also run some Windows applications, making it a standard Windows PC. Most components are already in place. I need to be able to access the first two folders from any other device on my network without a password. My dad, who lives elsewhere, needs access to the third folder via the internet and can't open my folders. I also can't open my dad's folder myself. We should rely on each other here. There are reasons for this setup. It’s important that everything on my local network works with those two folders. Also, the PC must run without a password-protected account, since it won’t have a monitor or keyboard. I’ve checked BitLocker (can't lock folders), Windows encryption (requires locked account), and WinRAR (not suitable for streaming/backing up). Is there any way to secure folders using IP-based access so my dad can view his folder while others can access mine? Thank you!
The absence of a monitor and keyboard doesn't affect password protection. Instead, focus on using distinct user accounts and limiting folder sharing to only those who require it.
I believe relying on IP addresses poses a serious risk. A changing IP could bypass security, while a fixed one makes spoofing easier. I don’t have a specific fix for this, but it’s why user account management and passwords exist. For instance, my Unraid NAS uses Samba shares, and inside Unraid I can control which accounts get access to the shares.
It will operate without a user interface. I’ll activate it in the morning using WOL, won’t log in with a password, and can handle tasks like backing up data from my main PC or streaming media to my TV without any login issues.
You can perform all these actions using a password. No one needs to be connected to the PC to carry this out.
You're asking if it's possible to operate an Emby server and perform backups without requiring a logged-in account.
The shares become available immediately after the PC starts up, eliminating the need for local login. This allows other machines to back up to those shares if necessary. For local apps, you can run them as a service without requiring an active session. Most server-oriented tools offer this feature, and alternatives exist for those that don’t.
I’ll help you explore creating a Windows account online. Let me know what you need next!