What's a "secure" KVM switch?

[Mark R]

Apparently, they're great if you want to access classified and non-classified workstations from a single keyboard/mouse/monitor.

But, what possible security risks could a KVM switch provide that a 'secure' KVM wouldn't?

Just wondering, because these things tend to start at about $500 - It seems to me that they're purely a big markup device for government projects, where cutting costs is unthinkable.

 

[GeekDrew]

...password protection for each attached computer? Idunno.

 

[Goosemaster]

I really cannot fathom a definite answer for you except perahps authentication as geekdrew commented.

Are you sure we aren't talking about IP-based KVMS, because then it would start making sense

 

[Syppion]

... access classified and non-classified workstations from a single keyboard/mouse/monitor.

AFAIK doing so against the rules, so I'm not sure why this would be a desirable commodity... perhaps for corporations dealing solely with proprietary and non-proprietary systems.

 

[codegrinder]

the kvms we have at work. you have to enter a user name and password to be able to change from use the kvm and move from computer to computer. you can even have tiered permissions. bobby has all, joe only gets acces to 1 and 8.