The FBI used advanced Cellebrite technology to unlock the phone of Donald Trump's attacker, allowing quickly gain access to important data as part of an incident investigation.
Trump attack investigation
New unlocking technology
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has gained access to innovative technology that allows it to unlock the smartphone of a person suspected of attacking former President Donald Trump. FBI agents turned directly to the Israeli company Cellebrite, which specializes in developing digital intelligence technologies for American federal agencies.
Purpose and circumstances of use
The need to use this technology arose on Sunday morning, when investigators encountered difficulties when trying to access suspect's phone number. The main goal was to extract data from the device to determine the motive for the July 13 attack at a rally in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, where Trump suffered an ear injury. Authorities identified the deceased assailant as Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Trump shooter - Thomas Matthew Crooks Overcoming technical difficulties
Despite the presence of the Pittsburgh The FBI licensed Cellebrite software to bypass phone passwords, but it was ineffective on Crooks' device, a new Android-based Samsung model. In this regard, agents turned to Cellebrite's federal team, which cooperates with law enforcement agencies and government agencies.
Successful Application of New Technology
Within a few hours, Cellebrite provided the FBI in Quantico, Virginia with additional technical support and new software software currently under development. After receiving the updated Cellebrite software, the process to unlock the phone took just 40 minutes, according to the Washington Post.
Cellebrite's operations and reputation
Nasdaq-listed Cellebrite says about 20% of its work is in government sector accounts for federal clients. For the first quarter of 2024, the company reported annual recurring revenue of $89.6 million and claims to have been involved in more than 5 million cases. Cellebrite is committed to expanding its collaboration with federal clients in the United States.
Criticism and ethical issues
The company has repeatedly faced criticism from privacy advocates who consider the use of such technologies to be unethical hacking, used by foreign governments against activists. In 2021, Cellebrite told federal regulators it would cease operations in some regions, including China and Hong Kong, due to concerns raised by human rights activists. The company says its software is used to unlock seized phones only in legally authorized cases and never for surveillance purposes.
Glossary
- FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation, the principal federal law enforcement agency of the United States
- Cellebrite - Israeli company developing digital intelligence technologies
- Donald Trump - 45th President of the United States, businessman and politician
- Android is an operating system for mobile devices developed by Google
- Nasdaq is an American exchange specializing in shares of high-tech companies
Links
- Swing at Donald Trump
- Washington Post article on phone unlocking
- Open letter about Cellebrite
- Bloomberg article on using Cellebrite software
Answers to questions
What happened to Donald Trump at the rally in Pennsylvania?
What technology did the FBI use to unlock the suspect's phone?
Why couldn't the FBI immediately access the attacker's phone?
What is Cellebrite's role in working with US law enforcement agencies?
What criticisms have been made of Cellebrite technology?
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Discussion of the topic – FBI hacked Trump attack suspect's Samsung in 40 minutes
The article tells how the FBI used advanced technology from the Israeli company Cellebrite to quickly unlock a Samsung phone belonging to a man suspected of attacking former US President Donald Trump.
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Ivan
Wow, technology does not stand still! 🤖 The FBI can now unlock even the newest phone models. I wonder how legal this is?
Marie
Ivan, I agree, this is impressive. But I'm concerned about the privacy issue. If the FBI can access our data so easily, what guarantee is there that it won't be exploited by criminals? 🤔
Heinrich
Marie, you're right about privacy. But in this case we are talking about the investigation of a serious crime. Maybe in such situations it is justified? Although, of course, strict control over the use of such technologies is needed.
Sophia
Have you guys noticed that Cellebrite has stopped operating in China and Hong Kong due to human rights issues? This shows that the company is still thinking about ethical issues. Maybe it's not so bad? 🤷♀️
Giovanni
Pah! All this hype about new technologies is bullshit. Previously, they managed just fine without any unlocking, and the criminals were caught. And now what, you can’t live without these toys? They just waste money on these fashionable things. 😒
Ivan
Giovanni, I understand your frustration, but times are changing. Criminals also use new technologies, so law enforcement agencies need to keep up with the times. Although I agree that it is important to find a balance between security and privacy.
Aneta
What surprises me is the speed with which the FBI gained access to new technology. In just a few hours! This shows how closely the government and tech companies work together. I don't know if this is good or bad... 🤔
Olena
Friends, let's look at this from the other side. If your loved one was the victim of a crime, wouldn't you want the police to have every possible tool to investigate? I think the main thing is transparency in the use of such technologies and clear legislation. 👮♀️⚖️