FBI Drops Apple Case, Helps Unlock Other iPhones

FBI Drops Apple Case, Helps Unlock Other iPhones

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Mar 31, 2016

The back and forth between the FBI and Apple in the heated debate of encryption has come to the most unlikely of endings. While we believed just a week ago that the FBI could successfully break into the San Bernardino through the use of a third party security firm, that soon went belly up and the great court case with Apple was in the process of being rescheduled.

Then, suddenly, the FBI announced that they found a way into the iPhone. Even though there will be no court case, we are still left with many questions. How did the FBI get into the phone? Was the content of the phone helpful in the case?

What we do know, however, is that the FBI now has a way to get into the iPhone of a criminal and they aren’t afraid to use their newfound power. On March 30, the FBI agreed to help an Arkansas prosecutor unlock the iPhone and iPod belonging to two teenagers accused of killing a couple, just days after the federal  announced it had gained access to the iPhone linked in the California mass shooting.

Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland said the FBI agreed to the request from his office and the Conway Police Department after the judge for the case agreed to postpone the trial of 18-year-old Hunter Drexler so that the prosecutors could attempt to extract data from the teenager’s phone.

Hiland said he could not discuss details of the murder case in Arkansas, or give insight as to how the FBI would help in the breaking into of the phone. He was able to say that the FBI responded to his request for help in less than 24 hours.

Click here to read more about the case in Arkansas.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • The Progress of Biometrics

  • Next-Gen AI for Smart Cities

    The future of smart city technology is not being shaped in Silicon Valley — it is taking root in Dubuque, Iowa. With a population of about 60,000, this mid-sized city has become a live testbed for AI-driven traffic management thanks to a unique public-private collaboration led by Milestone Systems. Project Hafnia demonstrates how cities can transform urban mobility and safety through Responsible Technology—without costly infrastructure overhauls. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.