An investigation into child abuse includes the first known case in which police used the tech giant Apple’s Face ID facial recognition technology to open a suspect’s, iPhone X. The incident occurred on August 10, when the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) searched Grant Michalski’s home in Columbus, Ohio, during a child abuse investigation, Forbes reported Sunday, citing court documents. Special Agent David Knight ordered Michalski to unlock the iPhone X by activating Face ID. After unlocking the iPhone, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agents did not get all the stored data they wanted, because even within iOS, there is information that requires the access code for security reasons. A secret number that even Face ID itself cannot break. Without this code, even forensic tools cannot access the device for more than an hour. The tech giant Apple has introduced some security changes on iOS 11, one of which is a greater control of the lightning port with the new USB Restricted Mode system. Knight noted that he could not document actions such as using applications or having access to deleted files, but added that he found that the Columbus Police Department and the Ohio Department of Investigation have “technological devices capable of obtaining forensic extractions of iPhones blocked without the password,” presumably referring to the hardware offered by Cellebrite and/or Grayshift.
Cellebrite seems unable to access iPhone again
If in the past, the FBI was able to get in and rummage through an iPhone with Cellebrite technology, according to information provided to Forbes by a lawyer, the FBI turned to Cellebrite, but so far it has not been useful. The lawyer, referring to the “possible abuse” of using Face ID against the suspect’s will, said police are now using a standardized language in warrants to cover facial identification. Mandatory Touch ID unlocking has been going on for several years. This type of action, beyond the will of the user, is even used in the corpses. Although controversial, the practice is currently legal and is sometimes considered necessary by US police, as suspects may not be forced to surrender their passwords. Conventional forensic tools are often defeated by full disk encryption and other security measures on iOS. Cellebrite and Grayshift recently secured large deals with the US Secret Service, valued at $780,000 and $484,000, respectively. Grayshift also secured a $384,000 settlement with Immigration Customs Enforcement. So, what do you think about this? Simply share all your views and thoughts in the comment section below.
