The Mission Darkness™ BlockBox Lab has been discontinued. We now offer the Mission Darkness™ BlockBox Lab XL, which is an upgraded version.
Please note:
MOS Equipment has decided to discontinue the manufacture and sale of this version of the Mission Darkness™ BlockBox Lab, SKU: MDFB-BBL-RJ45. We determined that this configuration is not the best option for our customers, which is why we developed the Mission Darkness™ BlockBox Lab XL, SKU: MDFB-BBL-XL-RJ45.
Some primary benefits of the upgraded product (BlockBox Lab XL) include:
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- Larger interior and exterior dimensions - 150% bigger than standard size
- Fits laptops comfortably
- Upgraded window - Gen 2 = 25% clearer
- Longer gloves - offers more device operation mobility inside the lab
- Power strip includes four universal power outlets, opposed to three
- Accessory kit includes phone, tablet, and laptop faraday bag, opposed to tablet size only
The BlockBox Lab XL pictured next the BlockBox Lab (original size)
Mission Darkness BlockBox Lab — RF Enclosure for Mobile Device Analysis
SKU: MDFB-BBL-RJ45
The Mission Darkness™ BlockBox Lab offers the ultimate radio frequency (RF) shielding and hands-on accessibility for electronic device forensics investigations. The heavy-duty forensic analysis enclosure is designed specifically for investigating mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets, and additional small electronics while remaining shielded from RF signals. It has been lab tested and certified to shielding effectiveness standards IEEE 299-2006 (see report below).
It is constructed with a durable aluminum frame with RF absorbent foam lining the inside walls, conductive gloves for both hands to operate and interrogate devices inside (including touch screens), a slanted transparent viewing window, LED array, power strip with three universal power ports and four USB ports, and a dual-sided shielded filter with RJ45 ethernet and two USB ports for extracting data at high speeds. The RJ45 port lets an operator connect devices inside the faraday chamber to a local network internally, as well as connect to a charging source, computer, or data extraction tool externally. The combined features allows forensic investigators to thoroughly analyze data on devices while preventing any signal from reaching or leaving the device. The ability to keep devices charged indefinitely prevents lockout mode and reduces the amount of time needed to break a passcode, enabling the maximum amount of data extraction and unlocking with tools like GrayKey, Cellebrite, XRY, BlackBag, Oxygen, etc.
The BlockBox Lab completely isolates devices inside and blocks WiFi (2.4 & 5GHz), Bluetooth, cell signals including 5G networks, GPS, RFID, and radio signals with >70dB average attenuation. Although designed for lab use, the light weight of the BlockBox Lab and strong side handles allow it to be transported to different locations. The comprehensive accessory kit includes a set of replacement gloves and foam seals (since these items can wear out over time due to frequent/improper use or storage), which can be easily installed on-site without having to send the entire unit out for repair. The kit also comes with a Mission Darkness NeoLok Faraday Bag for Tablets with a magnetic closure, making it safe to use with conductive gloves in forensics investigations.
Alternative uses for the BlockBox Lab relate to mobile device testing, since the product can be used to create an isolated and controlled environment. An additional RJ45 ethernet port can be installed if necessary (see details below). If you require a larger interior space, upgrade to the BlockBox Lab XL which is 150% bigger and allows the user to operate laptops comfortably.
Video Demonstrations of the BlockBox Lab
Exterior view of the shielded side filter
Interior LED array illuminates the space
BlockBox Lab Features
- Lab forensic analysis enclosure for operating devices and extracting information while shielded from RF signals
- Certified to shielding effectiveness standards IEEE 299-2006
- Large interior space - fits multiple cell phones, tablets, and similar size devices (*if you require a larger interior space, upgrade to the BlockBox Lab XL which is 150% bigger and allows the user to operate laptops comfortably)
- Dual-sided shielded filter with two USB ports, one AC port, and one RJ45 ethernet port
- Indefinite power capabilities to prevent lockout mode and reduce the amount of time needed to break a passcode, enabling the maximum amount of data extraction and unlocking with tools like GrayKey, Cellebrite, XRY, BlackBag, Oxygen, etc.
- Completely isolates devices - blocks WiFi (2.4 & 5GHz), Bluetooth, cell signals including 5G networks, GPS, RFID, NFC, and radio signals with >70dB average attenuation
- Built-in conductive gloves for left and right hands-on touch plus a set of replacement gloves
- Angled isolated window on top for viewing devices
- High-speed data extraction through USB ports
- Shielded AC power strip for powering multiple devices internally - includes three universal power outlets and four USB outlets
- LED array for illuminating interior space
- RF absorbent foam liner on all interior sides
- Replacement foam gasket seals with adhesive backing
- Durable outer aluminum casting with black coating
- Dual easy release latch system
- Piston hinge gas filled cover strut
- Temperature range: +14°F (-10°C) to +122°F (+50°C)
- Two metal side handles for easy carry
Applications
- Lab forensic analysis
- State, local, federal, and military forensics
- Mobile device/IOT testing and signal isolation
- Anti-hacking, anti-tracking, and anti-spying assurance
- Counter-surveillance
- EMP and CME protection
- Use with data extraction and unlocking with tools like GrayKey, Cellebrite, XRY, BlackBag, Oxygen, etc.
Kit Includes
- Mission Darkness BlockBox Lab
- Mission Darkness NeoLok Faraday Bag for Tablets (magnetic closure is safe to use with conductive gloves)
- Unique serial number sticker
- Two USB A male to A male cables
- Ethernet cable
- AC power cable
- Set of replacement gloves
- Set of replacement foam seals
- Instruction card
- Stylus
Dimensions
- External dimensions: 18"W x 12.75"H x 12"D
- Internal usable dimensions: 16.75"W x 8.25"H x 10.75"D
- Viewing window dimensions: 9.5"W x 3.5"H
Compatible with Faraday Bags
A user can safely transfer seized or collected devices from individual faraday bags to the BlockBox Lab while maintaining RF shielding. Once the lid is closed, the bag can be opened inside. Mission Darkness NeoLok faraday bags with a magnetic closure (like the tablet size bag included in the kit) are preferred for use with conductive gloves because they eliminate the risk of puncturing a glove with scissors (often used to cut a faraday bag open) or harsh Velcro (used in most standard faraday bag closures). Scroll down to see more details about using the BlockBox Lab XL as a transfer chamber.
Customization
Contact us if you have customization requests or particular requirements that are not included in this product configuration. Some alterations may be possible, including adding an additional RJ45 ethernet port (+ $350). Let us know your requirements so that we can quote you accordingly.
BlockBox Lab Brochure & Instruction Card
Download the BlockBox Lab brochure and instruction card for printable/sharable versions.
Interior view showing a device connected to the USB filter
Interior view showing the filter, universal power strip, and conductive gloves
View device screens through the slated transparent window on top of the analysis enclosure
The accessory kit includes a set of replacement gloves and foam seals that are simple to install
The included NeoLok faraday bag with a magnetic closure opens easily without the risk of damaging conductive gloves
Scientifically Proven Performance, Lab Tested and Certified
Testing Completed by Keystone Compliance Laboratory on October 7, 2020
The BlockBox Lab has been tested and certified to meet shielding effectiveness standards IEEE 299-2006. The shielding effectiveness test was conducted by Keystone Compliance, a full-service regulatory compliance laboratory offering solutions for nearly all EMC/EMI, environmental, ISTA-certified package and ingress protection testing requirements. IEEE 299-2006 is the standard test method for measuring the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding enclosures and materials. A properly-shielded device will effectively retain all RF energy in its faraday enclosure and keep all external RF isolated. The BlockBox Lab is advertised as an enclosure that can be used to isolate devices by blocking the frequency range most mobile devices and electronics transmit/operate within. To provide validation for this claim, the shielding effectiveness test measured how well the product shields frequencies between 1.5GHz to 40GHz. The positive test results provides authentication of its shielding abilities. The full test report and signal attenuation graph can be viewed on the link below.
The image above shows the shielding effectiveness graph of the BlockBox Lab tested at a frequency range of 1.5GHz to 40GHz. The green line reflects the sample attenuation.
Use with Forensics Tools, Like Cellebrite and GrayKey
The BlockBox Lab is the premier multifunctional analysis enclosure in the BlockBox forensics series. It is regarded as an essential product in any forensics lab that conducts mobile device investigations. In additional to offering an isolated environment, the various filter ports allow a user to operate, charge, interrogate, and conduct triage on multiple devices. The ability to charge indefinitely prevents lockout mode and reduces the amount of time needed to break a passcode, enabling the maximum amount of data extraction and unlocking with tools like GrayKey, Cellebrite, XRY, BlackBag, Oxygen, etc. The details below provide a basic overview of how to use the BlcokBox Lab with a few forensics tools.
The BlockBox Lab pictured with Cellebrite
If a device arrives to the lab inside a faraday bag:
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- Place the closed faraday bag inside of the BlockBox Lab, along with any necessary extraction tools or cables, and close the lid. Open the bag using the conductive gloves and remove the device. Connect the device internally to the power outlet, extraction tool, etc. if desired.
If using with Cellebrite or related extraction tool:
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- Place the device inside of the powered BlockBox Lab and connect it to the USB filter internally using a compatible cable tip. Connect an extraction tool directly to the outer USB filter on the opposite side, then use as directed.
If using with GrayKey:
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- Make sure the outer filter cables are connected. Place the GrayKey unit inside of the powered lab and connect it to the inner RJ45 ethernet port, as well as the power outlet. Connect the device to GrayKey and use the tool as directed.
*Note that further instructions for use with forensics tools will depend on the specific tool itself and the scenario. Additional forensics tools and corresponding cables are not provided.
Interior view showing how GrayKey and corresponding cables connect to a cell phone inside
How to Use the BlockBox Lab as a Faraday Bag Transfer Chamber
If a device arrives to the police station, lab, etc. in a standard faraday bag, it can be transferred to a different or more specialized faraday bag, like the Mission Darkness Charge & Shield Faraday Bag (or visa versa), using the BlockBox Lab as an RF shielded transfer chamber.
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- Simply place both bags inside the BlockBox Lab, close the lid, and open the faraday bags internally using the conductive gloves. Once the device is transferred and properly sealed in the new bag, the lid can open, and the shielded device can be moved to another location.
- This process ensures that the device is never exposed to RF signals and allows users to keep the BlockBox Lab vacant for more serious forensics investigation uses.
- *When selecting faraday bags for your department, keep in mind that faraday bags with a NeoLok magnetic closure are preferred when being handled by conductive gloves.
Field to Lab Demo Video
Watch the Field to Lab demo video to see why the BlockBox Lab is an integral part of the digital evidence handling process.
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- Digital evidence (cell phones and tablets specifically) should be RF shielded and remain charging from the point of seizure all the way to the lab, for maximum data recovery and password cracking with tools like Cellebrite and GrayKey. Simple Velcro faraday bags no longer support this entire process. This video shows the specific set of products that are required to ensure devices are not remote wiped and do not die en route to the lab. It is important to understand that traditional digital evidence handling techniques are insufficient for current data extraction and password recovery tools. Read the blog post for more details.
How to Choose the Right Size BlockBox Lab: Standard VS XL Comparison
The BlockBox Lab is available to two sizes: standard and XL. The products include the same main features, with the primary difference being the size and window clarity. View the differences below.
BlockBox Lab [XL Size] Benefits
- Larger interior and exterior dimensions - 150% bigger than standard size
- Fits laptops comfortably
- Upgraded window - Gen 2 = 25% clearer
- Longer gloves - offers more device operation mobility inside the lab
- Two LED arrays, opposed to one
- Power strip includes four universal power outlets, opposed to three
- Accessory kit includes phone, tablet, and laptop faraday bag, opposed to tablet size only
BlockBox Lab [Standard Size] Benefits
- More cost effective
- Lighter weight, more transportable
- Compact size - comfortable for operating cell phones and tablets