ICE Unit Secures $3 Million Contract for Mobile Hacking Technology
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has recently entered into a significant contract with Magnet Forensics, valued at $3 million. This agreement, revealed in a federal procurement database, is aimed at acquiring software licenses for a phone hacking technology known as Graykey. The technology is intended to assist Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in recovering digital evidence, processing multiple devices, and generating forensic reports crucial for national security and public safety.
Details of the Contract
The contract signed by ICE focuses on software licenses for Graykey, a forensic system designed to unlock smartphones and extract data. Although the contract does not explicitly mention Graykey, it is widely believed to be the product in question. Graykey was originally developed by Grayshift, which was acquired by Magnet Forensics in 2023 through private equity firm Thoma Bravo. The software is expected to enhance HSI’s capabilities in digital investigations, allowing agents to efficiently recover and analyze critical information from various electronic devices.
In addition to the $3 million contract, ICE and HSI have established several other agreements with Magnet Forensics and its partner, Panamerica Computers. These include a $145,000 subscription for Magnet Griffeye Enterprise, a platform designed to collect, process, and analyze data and evidence. This contract was also signed on the same day as the Graykey agreement. Other contracts include a $90,000 renewal for GrayKey Premier software licenses for law enforcement investigations and a $57,000 purchase of software licenses for Graykey to aid in investigative operations.
Previous Contracts and Technology Arsenal
ICE has a history of collaborating with Magnet Forensics, having previously signed a $5 million contract for Graykey last year. This contract was first reported by Forbes and highlights the agency’s ongoing investment in advanced technology for law enforcement purposes. Graykey was introduced in 2016 as a competitor to the more established phone hacking system, UFED, developed by the Israeli company Cellebrite.
ICE’s technological toolkit is extensive, featuring various tools such as facial recognition software from Clearview AI, cellphone spyware from Paragon, and data analytics software from Palantir. These technologies are integral to ICE’s operations, particularly in its efforts related to mass deportations and immigration enforcement.
Industry Response and Future Implications
As of now, Magnet Forensics has not responded to requests for comment regarding the recent contracts. An ICE spokesperson acknowledged inquiries from TechCrunch but did not provide further details by the time of publication. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also did not respond to similar requests for information.
The implications of these contracts extend beyond mere procurement; they raise questions about privacy, civil liberties, and the extent of surveillance capabilities employed by ICE. As the agency continues to expand its technological arsenal, the balance between national security and individual rights remains a critical topic of discussion among advocacy groups and the public.
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