Researchers at the University of Glasgow have published a paper that highlights their so-called ThermoSecure implementation for discovering passwords and PINs. The name ThermoSecure provides a clue to the underlying methodology, as the researchers are using a mix of thermal imaging technology and AI to reveal passwords from input devices like keyboards, touchpads, and even touch screens.
Before looking at the underlying techniques and technology, it's worth highlighting how impressive ThermoSecure is for uncovering password inputs. During tests, the research paper states: "ThermoSecure successfully attacks 6-symbol, 8-symbol, 12-symbol, and 16-symbol passwords with an average accuracy of 92%, 80%, 71%, and 55% respectively." Moreover, these results were from relatively ‘cold’ evidence, and the paper adds that "even higher accuracy [is achieved] when thermal images are taken within 30 seconds."
