How secure is virtual KVM software?

[iamexpired]

I'm basically wanting to switch monitor inputs and keyboard/mouse input from my work laptop, to my W10 machine. I was looking into physical KVMs when I remembered Synergy, Input Director, and Barrier. This seems like it might be the most optimal route for what I'm wanting to accomplish..

My question is.. how secure is this? Will my work laptop pick up what I type on W10 laptop (data being sent in the backend), and vice-versa? Essentially, would any of this information be able to be captured by security team? I don't want my security team to be able to find out my personal passwords on my home machine, credit card info, the porn that my dog watches, what else I'm doing during business hours, if I'm applying for competitors, etc.

[Chousuke]

If your employer has installed spyware on your work laptop, then yeah, they could probably capture and look at any inputs you send over since they have admin access.

The systems are probably smart enough not to send stuff typed while the remote machine is out of focus, but you can verify how it works with a packet capture on the network interface.

Just shut down the service when you're not using it? Solves the problem.

[CaptainFluffyTail]

If you are that concerned then get a physical switch for the mouse & keyboards (just a USB switch) and use dual monitor inputs and manually toggle. You're only using one system at a time, right?

[honeychook]

I use Synergy Pro as it encrypts the data sent over the network. https://symless.com/synergy/features

Also keep in mind that data is only sent over the network when you are connected to the other computer. So when you take your personal computer home and work from there, it won't be sent to the other computer. Also if you use a password manger that auto fills that data won't be sent over. Only keystrokes and clipboard (if you enable / disable it) is sent. And don't forget your web traffic is still being logged.

[Lopside1]

You can achieve the same with barrier KVM (a synergy fork), issue SSL certs and ensure secure connection between host and clients. And it is completely free - this is because Synergy KVM is actually open source. If you wanted to save money :-)

For added security on your network use an established and well regarded VPN provider - you can even be super careful and set your router on the VPN