One Plus 2 Equals Malware?

Well, yes, sort of, before I am lambasted for inserting a clickbate headline, let me explain, OnePlus 2 Smartphone’s have been somewhat of a revelation since its launch, from a repairable part design to more than decent specs which place it handily within the price point market. This all sounds exciting, the problem lies with the Chinese companies marketing that rely on the same notion of an invite-based system which has been utilized within this incarnation.

This rather convoluted purchase agreement has led to the synonymous and wide-spread unavailability which has befallen many consumers. Consumers are an interesting bunch, if a particular TV series or gadget is difficult to obtain, the next best thing is to locate said device through alternative means, this is what many people did after hearing that KSP, Israel’s largest digital store, would be in fact selling the phone without an invite.

Great, many paying consumers thought, the only downside lay with the unfortunate realization that the phone also came bundled with malware. The annoying process masqueraded in the form which utilizes Google Chrome while using the device. “Using said browser would automatically redirect to other sites with the word tracking in them or a site called global.mytracker, before giving permission to access the website requested”.

After further investigation, it turns out there were four potential threats which were found after running, yes we want your data to sell AVG. Honestly, you don’t know which is worse considering an Anti Virus which purports to safeguard your digital identity is also caught offering your browsing history to ad companies, kudos John Williamson at eTeknix for analysing this story. It has also become apparent that users in the US are also being screwed after purchasing this phone through an online retailer by the name Gearbest.

The solution is to undertake an entire operating system reinstall with the aim of banishing the malware. There are suspicions of third-party outlets injecting dodgy operating processes and apps within the phone, rather than an outright deception by the manufacturer who have warned against purchasing the device through other means.

As a tech fan I am finding the relentless pursuit of nefarious attacks against consumers rather wearying, any individual should have confidence in the retailer and also the product without the fear of a virus or malware. If you’re interested in this smartphone, then only buy from official channels and be careful of any deals which sound too good to be true.

Thank you geektime for providing us with this information.

Image courtesy of frandroid