FBI tested and used expensive tool to hack San Bernardino killer's iPhone--report | Inquirer Technology

FBI tested and used expensive tool to hack San Bernardino killer’s iPhone–report

/ 06:31 PM April 22, 2016

Instagram is demonstrated on an iPhone Monday, April 9, 2012, in New York. Since Verizon Wireless broke AT&T's exclusive grip on the iPhone last year, several other phone carriers now offer Apple's popular smartphone. On Monday, T-Mobile said it will make a stronger bid for used iPhones from AT&T as Apple prepares to launch a new version. AP FILE PHOTO

AP FILE PHOTO

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had purchased a hacking tool that unlocked the iPhone5c of Syed Rizwan Farook, the terrorist liable for the heinous attacks carried at San Bernardino, California, last 2015.

FBI director James Comey told the crowd at the Aspen Security Forum in London on Thursday that the cost of the tool was worth more than what he would be paid for the remainder of his job, which is 7 years and 4 months. Corey earns at least $183,000 (8.5 million PHP) annually.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Somebody approached us from outside the government and said ‘We think we’ve come up with a solution.’ And we tested it and tested it and tested it and then we purchased it,” he said.

FEATURED STORIES

Tech company Apple and the US Department of Justice wrangled over a California ruling that urged Apple to assist the FBI in unlocking the terrorist’s iPhone5c. The court demanded the tech giant to disable a feature that prohibits investigators from unlocking the phone after 10 unsuccessful attempts, according to USA Today.

Comey also denounced the recent move by messaging app WhatsApp. The app created an end-to-end encryption for its billions of users.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: All WhatsApp messages are now fully encrypted

Article continues after this advertisement

WhatsApp makes it harder for anyone to snoop on messages

Article continues after this advertisement

THE FBI refused to disclose the exact amount they paid for the third party who aided them in buying the hacking tool. Gianna Francesca Catolico, INQUIRER.net

RELATED STORIES:

Article continues after this advertisement

FBI breaks into iPhone of San Bernardino hacker

Apple remains in dark on how FBI hacked iPhone without help

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TOPICS: FBI, hacking, News, Terror Attack, USA, World
TAGS: FBI, hacking, News, Terror Attack, USA, World

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.