Avocent switches earn KVM security certification

The Kernel-based virtual machines (KVM) switches of Avocent have recently been awarded a certification showing that they pass security standards.

Avocent, a new business unit of Emerson Network Power after it was acquired in 2009, said the Avocent SwitchView SC600 and 700 series received the EAL2+ Common Criteria Certification. Avocent said the switches are the "first secure KVM switches" to receive the Common Criteria certification.

Common Criteria is an internationally recognised set of guidelines (ISO 15408), which defines a common framework for evaluating security features and capabilities of information technology security products.

Avocent said the certification is the latest achievement in the history of the company's KVM switches. The secure KVM switches were first introduced in 2000, along with the first secure USB KVM switch and the first secure dual-head DVI (digital visual interface) switch.

Security features

"Being the first to market with EAL2+ certification marks another significant milestone and underscores our commitment to provide secure access for any desktop environment where security is mandatory while keeping pace with stringent government standards," said Michael Helms, director of product management, Avocent.

The Avocent SwitchView SC600 and SC700 switches offer multiple layers of security, including tamper-proof hardware security at the desktop. To further safeguard the switches from other USB devices, they ignore communication from other USB devices when switching data to the target.
The switches also allow consolidated multiple workstations of varying security classification levels with one keyboard, monitor and mouse without compromising the network security. This saves desktop space as redundant hardware and cables are eliminated.

Emerson Network Power acquired Avocent to strengthen its data centre infrastructure management portfolio.

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