tech

February 5, 2026

FBI stymied by Apple's Lockdown Mode after seizing journalist's iPhone

Post reporter was compelled to unlock MacBook Pro with fingerprint, however.

FBI stymied by Apple's Lockdown Mode after seizing journalist's iPhone

TL;DR

  • The FBI seized an iPhone 13, two MacBook Pros, a hard drive, a voice recorder, and a Garmin watch from reporter Hannah Natanson's home.
  • The iPhone was protected by Apple's Lockdown Mode, preventing the FBI from accessing its data.
  • Agents accessed Natanson's work laptop by having her use her fingerprint on the device's reader.
  • The seized devices are part of an investigation into a Pentagon contractor accused of leaking classified data.
  • The government is opposing a motion by The Washington Post and Natanson to have the devices returned.
  • Apple's Lockdown Mode is designed to protect devices against sophisticated cyber attacks.
  • The FBI also extracted limited data (telephone number) from the iPhone's SIM card.
  • Natanson's personal MacBook Pro is password-protected and encrypted, and the FBI has not accessed it.
  • The target of the investigation is Aurelio Perez-Lugones, accused of taking classified intelligence reports home.
  • The Washington Post argues the search violates the First Amendment, while the government contends it's entitled to retain the evidence.

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