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In the world of covert operations and high-stakes espionage, few stories are as captivating as that of the Anom phone. Marketed to criminals as an encrypted and secure smartphone, the Anom phone was, unbeknownst to its users, a creation of the FBI as part of a massive undercover operation. This article delves into the intriguing details of the Anom phone, its operating system, and the broader implications of its use in law enforcement.

The Origins of the Anom Phone

The Anom phone, shrouded in mystery and speculation, is based on a regular android cell device—in this case, a Google Pixel 4a. The story begins with a casual conversation over a couple of beers between members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the FBI. This discussion led to the creation of the Anom phone, a device designed to infiltrate criminal networks by masquerading as a secure communication tool.

Between late 2018 and June 8, 2021, the Anom phones were sold to criminals worldwide, who believed they were using an untraceable, secure device. Little did they know, the phones were part of a sophisticated sting operation. The phones were run like a legitimate business, complete with a website, social media presence, and customer support. Prices ranged from $1,500 to $2,000, and approximately 11,800 devices were sold globally.

Inside the Anom Phone

The Anom phone’s custom operating system, Arcane OS, is at the heart of its deceptive capabilities. On the surface, it appears to be a standard Android phone with some pre-installed apps. However, entering a specific decoy pin code unlocks a different interface loaded with apps that don’t function as expected.

The main purpose of the Anom phone was to facilitate communication via a specific messaging application called Anom. This app, disguised as a calculator, could be accessed by entering a special code. It provided a platform for sending encrypted messages, storing files, and managing contacts. However, these messages were not as secure as users believed. The app contained backdoors that allowed authorities to access, read, and decrypt every one of the 23 million messages sent during the operation.

The Sting Operation

The undercover operation, known as Operation Ironside, resulted in numerous arrests and seizures. It was described as the biggest sting in Australian history. The success of the operation hinged on the Anom phone’s ability to collect and transmit data to law enforcement without arousing suspicion. The phones’ distribution and the sophisticated software ensured that authorities had a constant stream of information on criminal activities.

Exploring Arcane OS

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Anom phone is its custom operating system, Arcane OS. Upon entering the main pin code, users could access two apps, but the decoy pin revealed a more extensive, albeit dysfunctional, array of applications. Most of these apps were designed to appear functional but did not perform any real tasks.

The settings menu in Arcane OS is particularly revealing. It lacks many standard options, such as location services and storage management, which are typically found on Android devices. The OS is built on an Android 10 update from December 2020, with several modifications to suit the needs of the FBI. Notably, the software is designed to be tamper-proof, with secure boot enabled, preventing any unauthorized changes or attempts to flash new software onto the device.

The Decoy Mode

In decoy mode, the phone’s interface changes dramatically. It features various apps, including TikTok and Subway Surfers, but none of these apps function as expected. The contacts app, for instance, contains fake entries, some of which use public images from websites like TripAdvisor. The messages app looks different from the standard Google version and lacks the ability to send messages.

Security Features

Despite its covert nature, the Anom phone includes several security features that provided a false sense of security to its users. These features include the ability to scramble the pin layout, set a pin to wipe the device, and even automatically wipe the phone if it hasn’t been used for a certain period. There is also an option to wipe the device from the notification shade, adding another layer of security—or so it seemed to the criminals using it.

The Aftermath

After the service was shut down, many of these devices ended up on sites like eBay and Gumtree. Those who purchased these phones, either as mementos or unknowingly, found themselves with a piece of history. The bootloader is locked, and secure boot is enabled, meaning only Arcane OS can run on these devices. Despite numerous attempts, there is currently no way to remove the software and restore the original Android functionality.

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Conclusion

The Anom phone is a testament to the lengths law enforcement will go to infiltrate and disrupt criminal networks. Its sophisticated design and the massive undercover operation behind it highlight the ongoing battle between privacy and security. While the operation has concluded, the Anom phone remains a fascinating piece of history, reminding us of the ever-evolving landscape of technology and law enforcement.