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FBI Hires Cellebrite To Crack San Bernadino iPhone (reuters.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the who-needs-Apple-anyway dept.

tlhIngan writes: Earlier this week, the FBI asked the court for a continuance so it could do some research into a proposed method of cracking the [iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino, California shooters]. It turns out the FBI has contracted Cellebrite for $15,000 to break into the phone. Cellebrite is an Israeli software provider specializing in mobile phone forensics software. If they succeed, it would mean Apple would no longer need to be involved.

6 of 237 comments (clear)

  1. Israel by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    How is it that tiny little war torn Israel always seems to have the latest in technology that we can't seem to get here in America?

  2. FBI may be required to share hack with Apple by JoeyRox · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The irony is sweet with this one:

    http://www.bloomberg.com/news/...

  3. Chain of custody? by hawguy · · Score: 1, Interesting

    How do you maintain chain of custody of the evidence if you hand it over to a company that's not governed by our laws?

    If the Israeli company recovers data that gives them leads to other suspected terrorists, does the FBI have legal authority to pursue those leads when the information was "extracted" by a foreign company and it may or may not be fabricated? The only proof that they have that the information was really on the phone is because this company said so.

  4. Outsourced espionage of citizens, treason? by Pitawg · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Sounds illegal in both national and international levels, but I am still waiting for the encryption ban after this.

    Imagine every LEO calling a mumble "Encryption" or "Code". Everything not understood must be encrypted. Remember the gang signs lockup for waving? Any files on your phone must be plain, and in all languages or it must be hidden messages. New tools for racists or classist members of LE or Government.

  5. Re:apple can pull some DCMA BS and sue them by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I for one hope so. The DMCA is a piece of shit legislation, and if apple uses it it will be the only time it is used properly. to poke a stick in the eye of government goons.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  6. Re:apple can pull some DCMA BS and sue them by Sneftel · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Whoops, meant to reply to the grandparent post. Though I guess it works here too.

    --
    The opinions stated herein do not necessarily represent those of anybody at all. Deal with it.