FBI director James Comey reported that the hacking tool used to unlock the iPhone 5c of San Bernardino shooter Syred Farook works on a small percentage of iPhone models and probably not the iPhone 5s or 6. The FBI was in a legal battle with Apple after the feds changed the handset's Apple ID password then secured a court order demanding the tech giant build a new version of iOS to hack the smartphone. One day before the start of the federal trail the Department of Justice (DOJ) claimed that a third-party had showed the FBI a hacking method to collect the mobile phone's data.     

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The FBI chief revealed the information during a talk at Kenyon College in Ohio on April 6, Wednesday. He claimed that the unlocking technique was provided by a non-government source and will be used legally and properly, according to NBC News.

Comey said that the government purchased the tool. The United States government has not told Apple how it got pass the smartphone's encryption, which leaves a security vulnerability.

US federal agencies use a special process when deciding whether or not a security hole should be shared with tech companies. The reason is that hackers and criminals also value the "zero days" to access mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.   

Comey said that the government has not decided whether it will inform Apple about the hacking method it used. However, he pointed out that taking that action would put the government in the same situation as before it bought the hacking tool. He answered a question by explaining that the technique would disappear if Apple tweaks its software or the FBI uses it in a criminal case.  

US Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that she has been briefed on the FBI's hacking technique. She explained that she is upset that any person or company would not cooperate with the FBI in a terrorism case.   

Feinstein and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have drafted a bill that would allow law enforcement to access encrypted data. The newest draft is being reviewed by President Barack Obama, according to The Hill.   

Here's a report on the FBI unlocking the iPhone 5c: