US FBI Sucessfully Unlocks Apple iPhone in Domestic Terrorism Case - Is this Legal?

Federal law enforcement officials were able to break into the phone used by Syed Farook with the help of an unnamed third party. Government officials did not go into detail about what was found on the phone. "The FBI has now successfully retrieved the data stored on the San Bernardino terrorist's iPhone and therefore no longer requires the assistance from Apple required by this Court Order," DOJ spokeswoman Melanie Newman said in a statement. The DOJ is dropping the case against Apple, since it no longer needs the company's help. Farook was one of two shooters in the December 2015 attack that left 14 people dead, and the government has been trying to force Apple to help bypass the phone's security features. Apple declined to help, saying it would compromise the security of all iPhone users. The company has argued that law enforcement officials don't understand the consequences of creating a back door. Apple will want to know how the FBI got into the iPhone in order for it to patch up any vulnerabilities in its software. The iPhone maker is likely to continue bolstering security in its software and devices.What is the central issue in this case - the national right to protection by our government vs. the individual's freedom of speech (verbal or written)? How will the outcome of this case impact tech vendors and citizens alike i the future? Share your comments with the Cloud and Cyber Security Center: http://cloudandcybersecurity.blogspot.com/