Deep Dive Into NanoKVM Security Issues And Why You Should Consider Building or Buying PiKVM Instead
At the end of 2024, I heard some news about an incoming wave of cheap and compact IP-KVM devices to control your computers or any other hardware that outputs video over HDMI and accepts input over USB.
Basically an alternative to integrated KVM-over-IP remote control hardware and software solutions: iLO (HP), iDRAC (Dell), or IPMI (SuperMicro). The problem is that these devices are typically embedded into large, expensive servers. And external commercial options are often very expensive, slow, and bulky. They also in many cases require proprietary browser plug-ins or applets to be installed.
If you're familiar with this concept and are aware of the key differences between a hardware IP-KVM and software remote desktop solutions like VNC, TeamViewer and others, you might also be on the lookout for a low-cost device like this.
PiKVM To The Rescue
No wonder that such projects as PiKVM are a godsend for those of us who have server(s) at home running 24/7, and would like to access and control said machines remotely in cases where the server has crashed and doesn't boot, or needs to be hard-reset by "holding a button", or anything in between. PiKVM was originally created as a pet project to develop a DIY KVM over IP. A lot has changed since then!
Nowadays you can either buy a ready-made PiKVM device…
…or still follow the DIY way and build one of your own (more on that below).
PiKVM were among the first ones to offer a complete open-sourced similarly named software solution and a DIY guide on how to build your own affordable KVM over IP device that utilizes a modern, secure, linux-based software stack.
But now there are new kids on the block! Are they any good?
