FBI seeks Apple’s help in access encrypted iPhone


The U.S. Attorney General declared the recent Pensacola, FL shooting an act of terrorism. The gunman had two iPhones and the FBI is seeking to gain access to the devices.

The New York Times:

Mr. Barr focused attention on the Justice Department’s fight on advanced encryption and other digital security measures by taking aim at Apple, which has long touted security as a major feature of its phones. In 2014, Apple started building encryption into iPhones that can be unlocked only with the device’s password or a fingerprint reader, and said that it cannot bypass the security.

The technology has frustrated law enforcement officials, who accuse Apple of providing a safe haven for criminals. Justice Department officials said that they need access to Mr. Alshamrani’s phones to see data and messages from encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp to determine whether he had discussed his plans with others at the base and whether he was acting alone or with help.


Apple has not yet publically responded. Typically Apple will provide technical assistance to law enforcement requests and any data it does have. Due to encryption, however, it can not give access to data outside of its control.

It's widely accepted that means to allow third-party access, whether a secret black door or override key weakens encryption.