Smartphones without competent security measures are basically useless devices that may just cost you more than they're worth. OnePlus is gearing up to launch their latest device i.e. the 5T tomorrow however that will be rendered useless if the company does not solve its security flaws. This is the second time OnePlus devices have been found to have a backdoor that makes them vulnerable to hacking. OnePlus was also found collecting sensitive user data which did not bode for well for the company.

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A software called EngineerMode is present in certain OnePlus devices and is basically a backdoor that makes the device vulnerable to hacking. The backdoor was discovered by Robert Baptiste and security firm NowSecure. The two security researchers determined the software's password and basically made the phone usable and accessible by anyone.  After further investigation, it was found that the application is installed on all OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 5 devices

With telephony secret code you can access to manual tests like GPS test, root status test as stated in this article https://t.co/T0FZQBISpS pointed by @AleGrechi . But can do better... pic.twitter.com/7gTaZ848Gp

The password to unlock EngineerMode was simple and easy to guess as it refers to a character from Mr Robot. The password was discovered to be “angela” and Baptiste called the backdoor “quite severe”. He added that a hacker only needs to gain physical access to the device and can easily hack it by entering a few lines of code. The tool was designed by Qualcomm and OnePlus is currently looking into the matter.

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OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei responded to the findings tweeting "Thanks for the heads up, we're looking into it.” This tweet is very surprising as it suggests the company was not aware of the issue and the company is now investigating the findings. OnePlus also acknowledged last month that the company was collecting user data from phones and it appears that this application may have been left in devices deliberately. 

Source: Techspot