The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported an inability to access an iPhone 13 seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, attributing the restriction to the device's active Lockdown Mode. The seizure occurred during a January raid on Natanson's residence as part of an investigation into leaks of classified information.
Device Seizure and Access Attempts
In January, FBI agents conducted a raid on the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. During the operation, several electronic devices were seized, including an iPhone 13 and a MacBook Pro. The raid was conducted as part of an investigation into leaks of classified information.
The FBI's Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) subsequently reported difficulties in extracting data from Natanson's iPhone 13.
Court records filed on January 30th confirmed CART's inability to access the iPhone's data for approximately two weeks following the raid. The device was operating in Lockdown Mode, a security feature designed to enhance protection against digital threats.
Understanding Lockdown Mode
Lockdown Mode is an optional security feature developed by Apple. The company describes it as an "extreme protection" setting intended for individuals who may be targets of highly sophisticated digital threats.
Apple describes Lockdown Mode as an "extreme protection" setting intended for individuals who may be targets of highly sophisticated digital threats.
When activated, Lockdown Mode significantly restricts various functionalities across apps, web browsing, and other device features. This measure is designed to minimize potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by advanced digital attacks.
Reporter's Background
Hannah Natanson is a reporter for The Washington Post, where her professional assignments include covering the federal government. She was also part of a team that received a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the January 6th Capitol insurrection.