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  • FBI foiled by Lockdown Mode

    From Mike Powell@1:2320/105 to All on Friday, February 06, 2026 12:55:05
    FBI foiled by the iPhone's Lockdown Mode during raid on reporter's home - here's how it works

    By Alex Blake published yesterday

    Apple's Lockdown Mode stopped the FBI accessing a reporter's iPhone
    data
    When enabled, Lockdown Mode disables several iPhone features
    It does this to protect against `highly sophisticated cyber attacks'

    One of the big selling points of the best iPhones is Apple's self-proclaimed commitment to privacy and security. That's been put to the test multiple
    times over the years, and a recent clash between the FBI and a Washington Post reporter has Apple's protections proving useful once again.

    The case revolves around Washington Post journalist Hannah Natanson, whom the FBI is investigating over alleged leaks of classified information to the press. In a raid on Natanson's home, the FBI seized an iPhone and a MacBook Pro
    owned by the Washington Post, as well as a MacBook Pro owned by Natanson, plus other electronic devices.

    The Washington Post has filed a court motion that, at present, prevents the FBI from accessing Natanson's data - but that didn't stop the agency from
    trying and running up against Apple's safeguards.

    In a filing opposing the one submitted by the Washington Post, the FBI said that "Because the iPhone was in Lockdown mode, CART could not extract that device." CART is the FBI's Computer Analysis Response Team, which was attempting to remove data from the device.

    Aside from the iPhone, FBI agents apparently forced Natanson to unlock the Washington Post's MacBook using her fingerprint, although the agents were unable to gain access to her password-protected personal laptop.

    In 2024, a federal appeals court ruled that police officers could compel a suspect to unlock a device using biometric data, although this did not extend to forcing people to provide their device passwords - hence the FBI's lack
    of success with Natanson's personal laptop.

    FULL STORY:


    https://www.techradar.com/phones/fbi-foiled-by-the-iphones-lockdown-mode-during -raid-on-reporters-home-heres-how-it-works

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    * Origin: Capitol City Online (1:2320/105)