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

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.