NFC Computer Unlocker

Quit pulling your hair out over incorrect passwords. Using an Arduino Leonardo and Adafruit’s NFC shield, you can unlock your computer with an NFC card. The Arduino reads the NFC card’s unique identifier and once it receives the correct one, it uses the Arduino Leonardo’s keyboard emulation feature to type a password.

NFC Computer Unlocker

Step 1: Parts Needed

You will need the following parts for this build:
Arduino Leonardo
Adafruit’s NFC Shield
NFC Tag (included with shield)
A Small Piece of Hookup Wire
You will optionally need:
More NFC Tags (available from Adafruit)
Tools Needed:
Sharp Knife
Soldering Iron
Wire Cutters and Strippers
Computer
Micro USB Cable

Step 2: Hardware

You will need to solder the header pins to the shield and retrace the jumper for this project to work.
Step One:
Solder the header pins to the shield. The easiest way is to insert the header pins into the Arduino and place the shield on top of the header pins. Solder the header pins on the top of the shield.
Step Two:
Cut the jumper between the IRQ pin and Pin 2 using a sharp knife. We need to do this because the NFC shield doesn’t communicate with the Arduino Leonardo at Pin 2.  Use a multimeter to check continuity between the two pins.
Step Three:
Strip about 1/2″ of insulation off of each end of a small piece of wire. Then solder this wire between IRQ and pin 6 on the Arduino.
Once all of that is done, the NFC shield is ready to communicate with the Arduino.

Step 3: Software

The software that needs to be uploaded to the Arduino is below. Make sure that you have the Adafruit NFC Library installed. Learn more about that here.
NFC Computer Unlocker circuit
#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_NFCShield_I2C.h>

#define IRQ 6 // this trace must be cut and rewired!
#define RESET 8

Adafruit_NFCShield_I2C nfc(IRQ, RESET);

//////////////////////////////////// SETUP

void setup() {
// set up Serial library at 9600 bps
Serial.begin(9600);

// find Adafruit RFID/NFC shield
nfc.begin();

uint32_t versiondata = nfc.getFirmwareVersion();
if (! versiondata) {
Serial.print(“Didn’t find PN53x board”);
while (1); // halt
}
// Got ok data, print it out!
Serial.print(“Found chip PN5”); Serial.println((versiondata>>24) & 0xFF, HEX);
Serial.print(“Firmware ver. “); Serial.print((versiondata>>16) & 0xFF, DEC);
Serial.print(‘.’); Serial.println((versiondata>>8) & 0xFF, DEC);

// configure board to read RFID tags
nfc.SAMConfig();
Keyboard.begin(); //initiate the Keyboard
}

/////////////////////////////////// LOOP

unsigned digit = 0;

void loop() {
uint8_t success;
uint8_t uid[] = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }; // Buffer to store the returned UID
uint8_t uidLength; // Length of the UID (4 or 7 bytes depending on ISO14443A card type)

// wait for RFID card to show up!
Serial.println(“Waiting for an ISO14443A Card …”);

// Wait for an ISO14443A type cards (Mifare, etc.). When one is found
// ‘uid’ will be populated with the UID, and uidLength will indicate
// if the uid is 4 bytes (Mifare Classic) or 7 bytes (Mifare Ultralight)
success = nfc.readPassiveTargetID(PN532_MIFARE_ISO14443A, uid, &uidLength);

uint32_t cardidentifier = 0;

if (success) {
// Found a card!

Serial.print(“Card detected #”);
// turn the four byte UID of a mifare classic into a single variable #
cardidentifier = uid[3];
cardidentifier <<= 8; cardidentifier |= uid[2];
cardidentifier <<= 8; cardidentifier |= uid[1];
cardidentifier <<= 8; cardidentifier |= uid[0];
Serial.println(cardidentifier);

if (cardidentifier == 606061173) {
Keyboard.write(‘m’);
Keyboard.write(‘y’);
Keyboard.write(‘p’);
Keyboard.write(‘a’);
Keyboard.write(‘s’);
Keyboard.write(‘s’);
Keyboard.write(‘w’);
Keyboard.write(‘o’);
Keyboard.write(‘r’);
Keyboard.write(‘d’);
delay(5000); //makes sure the password isn’t repeated
}
}
}

Once the code is uploaded, open the serial monitor set at 9600 baud. Place the NFC tag on the shield for a second and then remove it. The serial monitor should say, “Card detected #card number.” Copy the unique card number and paste it in the cardidentifier == 606061173 statement in the code. The card number will replace 606061173. Then change the keyboard.write statements to spell out your password one letter at a time. Reupload the code and whenever the NFC tag is placed on the shield it will type your password for you.

 

For more detail: NFC Computer Unlocker


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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