FBI to unlock yet another iPhone and an iPod

4.5
The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced last week - after over a month long legal battle with Apple - that it won't require the company's help in unlocking the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone 5c, as it managed to break Apple's encryption through other sources. Now, a request to unlock two other devices made by a prosecutor in Arkansas has been acknowledged by the FBI.

Two teenagers who allegedly murdered Robert and Patricia Cogdell last July in Arkansas are facing a trial in which they have pleaded not guilty to the capital murder, aggravated robbery and other related charges. The prosecutors are in possession of an iPhone 6 belonging to 18-year old Hunter Drexler and an iPod belonging to 15-year old Justin Staton.

It is believed that the teenagers used these devices to plot the murder and may contain critical evidence. The FBI hasn't revealed how they gained access to the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone, but it seems to have figured out a way to unlock devices regularly, as it has agreed to do the same for the devices confiscated in this case.

Apple wasn't pleased by the FBI's request and the latest event will further increase the growing concern among tech companies and the community regarding the protection of user privacy versus law enforcement.

Posted:
Related Forum: Mobile Devices

Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/fbi-to-unlock-yet-another-iphone-and-an-ipod

Comments

"FBI to unlock yet another iPhone and an iPod" :: Login/Create an Account :: 19 comments

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Boss34Posted:

Dang, this is intense. But I'm pretty sure they'll be able to do it.

AustinPosted:

-Stitch Pretty sure they've figured out how to do this through the JB teams.

I'm pretty sure you're right on this one lmao

MushroomElmPosted:

Azir
Seam It seems like a definite crack has been found to break the encryption on all apple devices, the problem with this is, whats to stop this getting leaked and used to invade our privacy?


I doubt it'll be leaked, but I do think this will be taken advantage off.


If the FBI can do it, I can guarantee there will be people who aren't on payroll of the Government, who are out there, that will now be wanting to get their hands on such a thing. Eventually, whether it is released/announced or not, it will be leaked one way or another.

XboxPosted:

I knew they would figure it out. They never needed their help to do it.

XaldinPosted:

Of course if they figured out one its much easier to unlock another

-StitchPosted:

Pretty sure they've figured out how to do this through the JB teams.

MajPosted:

This is big. This could lead to all kinds of data theft and leaks. Not too pleased about this. I agree that they should get to search the phones and shit but could lead to bigger things

SeamPosted:

It seems like a definite crack has been found to break the encryption on all apple devices, the problem with this is, whats to stop this getting leaked and used to invade our privacy?

carlos-Posted:

Stifled
Jeez People get way too butt hurt over this. The second you commit a crime of that nature, all your rights to privacy goes out the freaken window. I 1000% stand with the FBI on unlocking these phones. Cell phones are such a massive part of everyones lives, this could be a large piece of evidence to send people to jail


Completely agree with you on this.


The moment you commit a crime? Here's why your statement is inaccurate. First, those teenagers were never found guilty, therefore innocent until proven otherwise, am I not wrong? Second, They're suspects of a crime, therefore, they're not obligated to give up their privacy rights.

PintPosted:

I can see apple making it harder to break the encryption, They have already shown they will stand up for the consumer