Trump Shooter Used Samsung Android Phone; Cracked by Cellebrite in About 40 Minutes

Highlights

• FBI successfully accessed shooter’s Samsung Android phone
• Cellebrite software unlocked the device in 40 minutes
• Phone contained photos of political figures and depression-related searches
• Comparison made with iPhone security in law enforcement cases

The FBI has successfully accessed the locked phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man responsible for the shooting at a recent Trump rally.

New information from Bloomberg sheds light on the device and the process used to unlock it.

As 404 Media notes, the incident “highlights the constant cat and mouse game between hardware and operating manufacturers like Apple and Google, and the hacking companies looking for vulnerabilities to exploit.”

Device Details

Crooks used a newer Samsung model running the Android operating system.

This detail was previously unknown, with speculation about whether the shooter had used an iPhone or an Android device.

Unlocking Process

The FBI’s initial attempts to unlock the phone on Sunday were unsuccessful.

They used Cellebrite software to try to bypass or identify the phone’s passcode.

When this failed, the bureau sent the device to their lab in Quantico, Virginia.

The FBI then sought direct assistance from Cellebrite.

The company provided additional technical support and new, still-in-development software.

Using this new software, the FBI managed to unlock the phone in just 40 minutes.

According to Cellebrite’s website, over 6,900 public safety agencies and enterprises use its tech in over 100 countries. That includes all 50 US states and over 100 federal agencies. In 2019, for example, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it would spend at least $30 million to buy smartphone-hacking technology from Cellebrite.

Phone Contents

The Associated Press reports that Crooks’ phone contained photos of former President Trump, President Biden, and other officials.

The FBI also found searches related to major depressive disorder.

Comparison with iPhone Security

A recent leak suggests that Cellebrite cannot unlock iPhones running iOS 17.4 and later.

The company also struggles with most iPhones running iOS 17.1 to 17.3.1, except for hardware vulnerabilities in the iPhone XR and iPhone 11.

This case highlights the ongoing debate about device security and law enforcement access.

It also underscores the differences in security measures between Android and iOS devices, particularly in high-profile cases involving newer smartphone models.

FAQs

What phone model did Thomas Matthew Crooks use?

Thomas Matthew Crooks used a newer Samsung model running the Android operating system.

How did the FBI unlock Crooks’ phone?

The FBI used Cellebrite software and received additional technical support from the company, which helped them unlock the phone in about 40 minutes.

What was found on Crooks’ phone?

The phone contained photos of former President Trump, President Biden, and other officials, as well as searches related to major depressive disorder.

Can Cellebrite unlock iPhones?

According to recent leaks, Cellebrite struggles to unlock iPhones running iOS 17.1 to 17.3.1 and cannot unlock iPhones running iOS 17.4 and later, except for specific hardware vulnerabilities in older models like the iPhone XR and iPhone 11.

What does this case highlight about device security?

This case underscores the differences in security measures between Android and iOS devices and the ongoing debate about law enforcement access to locked smartphones.

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