Lock Bypass Capability Matrix for Cellular Phones at Datalab

Our labs are furnished with forensic tools that will allow us to bypass the PIN, Pattern or Passwords on many devices. There are a number of factors though that will impact this ability and we need some initial detail to be able to advise on what options exist for your specific device.

Datalab supports over 300 models of cell phone but other factors influence what can and cannot be achieved such as Operating System detail, Security Patch level, Mobile Device Management (from your employer) and others.

Note: We are not able to provide access to phones without the proper authority from the devices owner. We will in every instance ensure ownership is proven, or, the right to access is present before unlocking any device. 

Initially we need to correctly identify the device. This can be done in a few ways;

Option A) Obtaining the IMEI number. This number can be located in varying places printed physically on the device. Please check the below locations to determine if the IMEI is present.

1. The back of the phone in the very lowest position, nothing to remove any cases or covers. It will be in very small writing potentially requiring a magnifying glass or using a second phone to take a photo and pinch zoom in.
2. Stamped into the SIM tray. You will need a pin or SIM tool to remove the SIM tray. Stamped into the plastic or printed on the SIM tray will be a long number.
3. Printed on a label on the side of the box the device was purchased in.

Option B) Looking on the packaging the phone was supplied in. This will supply the IMEI as noted above and or the specific make and model of the phone including both Manufacturer and model number.

Option C) Take a photo of the device from the front and rear. Often camera and button layout can be used to visually identify a device if sent to our labs for visual matching.

Once the device make and model has been identified, we will be able to advise in theory whether this device is supported for security bypass, but, we will still need to determine whether your specific device is supported by assessing the Operating System version and other security features.

Some notes on lock bypass options are;

A device has been turned off and the passcode is not provided; this is referred to as being in BFU state or ‘Before First Unlock’. This state reflects the highest presence of security on the phone and potentially the most difficult to bypass.

A device that has been unlocked recently and has not shut down between its last unlock and being delivered to Datalab is referred to as being in AFU state or ‘After First Unlock’. This represents a slightly more relaxed security presence and there are inherently more options to bypass security features such as PIN numbers or pattern locks.

Beyond the devices AFU/BFU state there is the security patch level to contend with. Most lock bypass procedures rely on ‘yet to be discovered’ weaknesses in system design. It is these weaknesses that allow our tools to bypass security. As and where a device is running older security patches, there are typically more chances to bypass security. The inverse is also true in that devices running up to date security patches are less likely to be able to be accessed.

Some features are baked into the operating system (ie Android or iOS etc) and therefore as above we have more capabilities for both access and processing of data on those devices running older operating systems vs up to date ones.

In every instance the matrix of make, model, OS, security patch and desired data mean that every case is different and every case requires different tools and abilities. We encourage all clients to provision as much detail up front to inform the labs decision regarding processing of devices.

If you need assistance identifying a device or determining what access options are present, please call the lab on 0800 328 2522 Opt 3. 

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