ATM Theft

For those who probably aren't aware of this, ATM theft is actually quite easy to do because it is cheaper and well, easier. First of all, what you need to know is that some credit cards are equipped with RFID technology which make them easier to use and also easier to clone as well.

Example of a card that has RFID technology embedded in it

But the problem with cloning a card is the password needed in order to use the card. Thanks to researchers from University of California, San Diego, they revealed the way to detect the password by using cameras capable of getting thermal imaging. 

Image showing the residual heat from your fingers.

Thermal imaging simply reads the residual heat that left after some hot body is in contact with a less hot body. In this case, it reads the residual heat that you left on the button of the ATM. The "flaw" in this method is that the numbers aren't in order but with high end cameras, you can somehow guess which button is first and which is last. It certainly easier if the numbers are repeated. 

Certainly there's a debate whether or not thermal imaging can be used in crime because of few reasons. But with time and with technology that evolves everyday, certainly it causes crime fighters a headache. And i think using thermal image is far easier than doing something like this:

Hence, next time you're in the ATM, make sure you use your pen or stylus, or put your hands on the keypad so that the thermal can't read which button has been pressed. I think for what it's worth, electronic advancement will need to pay the price.