Computer Security - Police Seizure Need advice

I had my phone and laptops seized. While I've used gpg, tor, encrypted files etc, they have returned everything to me saying that they didn't have time to go through the numerous devices. The cop that returned the items is loosely acquainted with my family, and seemed as if to hint that it would be prudent to wipe what I have. I use apple products. Would anyone know of any way to check whether there is specifically spyware police would use, backdoors that've been opened, their tactics and procedures, and any future extra security measures I can take besides the normal opsec. This questions applies to both iPhones and MacBooks. Thanks


Comments


[8 Points] FagDamager:

i wouldn't even just wipe them, i would actually sell them and get new ones.


[6 Points] dawgiee:

If what you did wasn't that serious, they probably didn't need to dig through your files. Either way, I'd ditch the equipment and replace it.


[4 Points] None:

[deleted]


[2 Points] mephestus:

There is always a way to check for the experienced user but I recommend you don't fuck with it any longer. Keep it and just do normal shit with it. (In case they are watching).

Without being trained in security, and having a physical look at things it's hard to determine. iPhones and any smart phone are never secure. They are little spies in your pocket. Laptop I would be worried about as well. All Mac systems use EFI and like any firmware it can fuck with your computer at a very low level.

Recommend you sell them and get new shit. Or use in a legal way. Factory reset the iphone first (Or destroy it) and low level format the HD on the macbook pro (Or destroy it)


[2 Points] noseybast:

Sell them or destroy them depending how poor you are, no excuses


[1 Points] FagDamager:

use file vault on your laptop, i think users recommend TrueCrypt too/instead


[1 Points] intense_feel:

Depends on country, in us, they can do that but not in the most of eu countries due to the privacy protections. Wipe your whole disk including bootloader and reinstall os. Also wipe all other media storages that they seized, if you have non jailbroken iphone, then you should be fine with that (just check installed apps) ss there is currently no method to backdoor them without jailbreaking.

IMHO, I don't think that they plannted spyware there as it requires special court order and is as problematic as for them as doing quick forensic triage


[1 Points] DaMenehune:

Destroy them. Get out of the game. Stay in school. Always wipe and stay off the pipe.


[1 Points] None:

Lol, throw it away OP.

My laptop and blackberry got seized when I was arrested for trafficking and they both got tampered with heavily.


[-1 Points] Adlerdell:

You say you'd rather sell them but thats not an option for me at the moment. What I need is clarification on their usual procedures or something, like whether they use hidden partitions, or install some physical component, etc. Otherwise, I don't understand why it wouldn't be viable to wipe them. Although even then, I'd rather not do that if I can help it