The battle between Android and iOS (Security)
When compared with the unpredictable wilderness that is Android platform, the safety of Apple’s ‘walled garden’ may convince you that your expensive iOS device is protected from malware attacks and bugs. However, mounting evidence indicates that mobile threats are increasingly attacking both sides. Here we compare the security battle of the two platforms.
Android Vs iOS
With over 80% share of the smartphone market, Android user experience has been left open and adaptable resulting to increased vulnerability by default. In theory, Apple’s operating system is more secure although it is limited. Both platforms app stores (Google Play and iOS App Store) are vetted and regulated for security concerns, but according to ibtimes, Apple offers a safe download environment for users than Android.
From the OS and the hardware to the accessories and apps, Apple keeps a tight control over the whole ecosystem. The occasional issues experienced have been easier to tackle as one firm manages and owns the entire system. In comparison, the ecosystem of Android is now hugely fragmented. There are many manufacturers and devices all with different aspects of the Android OS and each with possible different weaknesses in addition to the Android vulnerabilities. Due to lack of control over who can use the OS, some Android devices have been sold to unsuspecting users with fake app stores and malware.
In most Android devices, the slovenly nature of updates can seriously delay critical security patches. Due to the increasing seriousness of security breaches, quick updates have become more crucial than ever. Android will continue being less secure as long as the platform lags behind the update world. When you run on software that is two to four years old, you are most likely vulnerable to serious hacks. Apple on the other side is swift in pushing updates faster to devices. They have also increased the general security for users most notably with touch ID. Apple vets apps for malicious code before accepting them in their official app store. According to digital trends, there is a culture of unpleasant Android malware and adware that is not present in iOS.
Verdict
Apple has the edge over Android due to pushing updates out to more devices, encrypting data in iMessage and some apps, prioritizing user privacy and the firm oversight on apps. Android also encrypts some data, but your privacy is less protected. Google reads your data to provide you with a better experience, sell better ads and market products to you. It is thus clear that Apple remains on top when it comes to security.
