Computer security has never been known for being very good, and ATMs are certainly no exception. Nevertheless, a trio of net-savvy criminals in Lubbock have been arrested for using Raspberry Pis to bypass the security on multiple ATMs and burgle them. As detailed by local news outlet EverythingLubbock (hat tip to Tom’s Hardware for the link), the thieves reportedly stole over $5,000 from multiple machines in West Texas. Their spree ended when police caught up with them in a hotel room where they found several Raspberry Pis among other evidence, and they’ve been charged with unlawful interception of wire, oral or electronic communications and engaging in criminal activity.
While the official court documents are behind a paywall, EverythingLubbock reports that the suspects were able to use the Pis to disable the ATMs’ internal alarm systems, which are normally activated when anyone moves the cash drawer. Once they’d disabled the alarms, they could then simply open the door to the cash drawer and grab what they wanted.
The Pi is a small credit card-sized computer that can be used to build a variety of projects, including digital maker and educational applications. It is a product of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which works to put computing and digital making into more hands, and to teach those skills. The foundation has opened workshops called Picademies around the world to introduce teachers to the devices and to teach them how to integrate them into their classrooms.
A spokesman for the TACC explains that the Pi is a perfect tool to help students learn computer science in an active way. He adds that the device’s low cost and availability makes it an ideal platform to give students the opportunity to experiment with programming and to develop their problem-solving skills. In fact, he says, one project that TACC students recently completed was to network a group of 32 Pis to create an energy-efficient supercomputer.
TACC is collaborating with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to offer Picademies in the state. The workshops will teach K-12 teachers how to incorporate the devices into their classrooms and to teach their students about computer science. They’ll also receive a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator certificate, and will be able to access continuing support and resources.
Those interested in experimenting with the Pi should be aware that it can be dangerous to connect any components directly to its GPIO pins, and should always use resistors on LEDs and motors. In addition, the GPIO pins can’t be connected to 5V components, and you should also use caution when connecting things like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules to the board. For more information, check out the Raspberry Pi wiki page and this interactive pinout diagram from gadgetoid.