Android encryption can be compromised by novel technique of leaving devices in the freezer Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany have discovered a somewhat unusual method for cracking the security on encrypted Android phones — sticking them in the freezer.According to the team, the technique works (at least in part) even on devices that are fully encrypted and have locked bootloaders. Their toolkit for the exploit is dubbed FROST, for Forensic Recovery Of Scrambled Telephones.[More devices in extremis: 10 rugged gadgets for surviving dirty, dangerous jobs]“Scrambled telephones are a nightmare for IT forensics and law enforcement, because once the power of a scrambled device is cut any chance other than brute force is lost to recover data,” the FAU team said. Disk encryption was introduced to Android, ironically, in Version 4.0, or Ice Cream Sandwich. The researchers used a Samsung Galaxy Nexus to demonstrate FROST in a step-by-step tutorial posted to their website.The idea behind the trick is that information stored in RAM remains present for much longer if the temperature is particularly cold — which means that it can be possible to access decryption keys stored in the phone’s memory if it’s done quickly enough. By chilling a well-charged phone to about minus 10 degrees Celsius, then turning it off and on again as fast as possible (the team recommended simply popping the battery in and out quickly) and booting it into recovery mode, data like photos, Web history and phone contact lists can be plucked from the device using custom software developed by the German researchers.If the phone has an unlocked bootloader, the software can even snare encryption keys from the vulnerable RAM, allowing for full access to everything stored on the device.Email Jon Gold at jgold@nww.com and follow him on Twitter at @NWWJonGold. Winter is coming. Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe