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

  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • New Report Says 1 in 5 SMBs Would Be Forced to Shutter After Successful Cyberattack

    Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, making up 99.9% of all businesses and contributing to half of the nation's GDP. However, these vital economic growth drivers face an escalating threat—cyberattacks that could put them out of business. Read Now

  • The Yellow Brick Road

    The road to and throughout Wednesday's and Thursday's ISC West was crowded but it was amazing. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.