In today's digital age, remote access to computers has become increasingly vital. Whether you're managing multiple devices or accessing a workstation from a distance, streamlined authentication processes are key. The pi-pico-computer-unlocke project leverages the power of Raspberry Pi Pico, coupled with CircuitPython and MQTT, to create a secure and efficient solution for remotely unlocking computers.
unlocker.mp4
Before we can run the project on the raspberry pi, we need to flush it with the circuitpython firmware for raspberry pi pico w. To do so, please follow the following steps:
- Download the latest version of the circuitpython.
- Hold down the BOOTSEL button, and while continuing to hold it (don’t let go!), plug the Pico into the USB. continue to hold the BOOTSEL button until the RPI-RP2 drive appears!
- You will see a new disk drive appear called RPI-RP2. Drag the adafruit_circuitpython_etc.uf2 file to RPI-RP2.
- The RPI-RP2 drive will disappear and a new disk drive called CIRCUITPY will appear.
That's it, you're done!
If your Pico enters an unusual state and fails to appear as a disk drive during the installation of CircuitPython, consider using this 'nuke' UF2 file. It performs a thorough cleansing of your Flash Memory, erasing all files on the board, but it will help restore functionality. After this process, proceed to reinstall CircuitPython.
Now it is time to install the unlocker. go the the unlocker GitHub rpository: https://github.com/t0mer/pi-pico-computer-unlocker.
Click on “Code” and then “Download ZIP”:
Unzip the file the file and copy the following files into your Raspberry Pi Pico:
- lib — Contains the Requirements and Libraries needed for the program to run.
- boot.py — Contains the code to disable the auto-mounting of the pi as a storage device.
- code.py — The main code of the program.
- settings.toml — Contains the environment variables settings:
WIFI_SSID = "" #Your Wifi SSID
WIFI_PASSWORD = "" #Your Wifi password
# MQTT Broker settings
MQTT_BROKER = "" #The MQTT Broker address
MQTT_PORT = 1883 # Default port for non-TLS connections
MQTT_USERNAME = "" #MQTT Username, Not required for all brokers
MQTT_PASSWORD = "" #MQTT Password, Not required for all brokers
MQTT_TOPIC = "" #Topic to subscribe
TOKEN = "" #Token to verify the sender of the password. you can use the online tool here: https://it-tools.techblog.co.il/token-generator
HID_LAYOUT = "US" #Default keyboard layout to use.The upported layouts are:
- US (Default)
- CZ
- DA
- DE
- ES
- FR
- HU
- IT
- PO
- SW
- TR
- UK
Once done, Save the files and disconnect/Reconnect the Pi to the USB. The raspberry Pi drive should disappear.
When the unlocker comes online, it publishes its own IP address in an MQTT topic; that way, you can verify that it’s online.
To Unlock the computer the only thing you should do is publish MQTT topic with the following JSON:
{
"token":"bcQxAOfoW4l3yW6ur4",
"password":"!123456!"
}- token — The same token you place in the setting.toml file. This is to verify that the password was sent by the authorized sender.
- password — The password of the computer you want to unlock.
The information provided in this guide is for educational and informational purposes only.
Users should exercise caution and test the system thoroughly in a controlled environment before implementing it in a real-world setting. The author or contributors are not responsible for any damages, data loss, or security breaches that may occur from the use of this system.
It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that their usage complies with all applicable laws and policies regarding access and security.