Security isn’t the first thing most people think of when they buy smartphones, even though cell phones have become an essential part of our lives. We give a lot of consideration to features like the camera, pricing, and applications offered, among others. However, with so much personal information stored on smartphones, security is more crucial than ever.
The operating system you select for your smartphone makes a significant impact in terms of security. The best smartphone alternatives provide varying levels of security, and the development and upkeep of operating systems significantly affect how secure your phone will be.
The discussion over Android and iOS has been going on for a while since they are the most widely used mobile operating systems. The continued popularity of Android smartphones likely fuels the topic despite their reputation for being “insecure.” These operating systems have sold over a million devices, and sales are showing no signs of slowing down. According to research, Android OS has a market share of 72.11%. Apple phones, in comparison, account for just 27.22% of the market. Why do Android phones continue to be widely used despite their reputation for weak security? Is iOS safer than Android, or is this merely a claim about which brand is better?
Seven security advantages of iOS over Android
We can all agree on whether you like iOS or Android. In comparison to Google, Apple’s operating system is far more secure.
Closed vs Open Source
Android is an open-source operating system. Anyone can use Android to investigate potential flaws and learn all there is to know about the system’s inner workings. In other words, everyone may access and see the source code. On the other side, iOS is a closed system; Apple is the only party with access to its internal operations. One now has absolute power and can set the rules because Apple’s design has just been closed. As a result, specific requirements must be met for app developers to submit their applications to the App Store.
Faster Updates
A few Android handsets are running the most recent version, which is not yet accounted for in distribution statistics. The bulk of telephones is older models. It is less secure to use older system upgrades since they frequently include more flaws, weaknesses, and failures. Comparing these numbers to the most recent iOS update, which was promptly installed on over half of all iPhones and iPads, you can see that they are incredibly disappointing.
A lower market share is favourable.
Regarding market share, Android covers most of the market share, whereas Apple comes close with the second most extensive mobile operating system. Even though Android has a vast market share, which is great for Google, it also makes it a desirable target for hackers. In contrast to iOS, they do have a more extensive “client” base. So, it’s far more profitable for hackers to create malicious software for the Google system.
If 2% of Android users download malware that records sensitive information like credit card numbers and payment information in the background, and 2% of iOS users fall for it, then the virus has successfully tricked 20% of iOS users. Because there are more Android users than iOS users, there is a far bigger overall “win” for hackers with Android.
Enhanced security
The confidentiality of Android and iOS smartphones is very different from one another. Apple employs the Sandbox technique, which gives programs just a small amount of access to the rest of the system. When you hire iOS developer they must include the information their apps require when creating them for iOS. For instance, Instagram won’t function if the camera isn’t available. Apple monitors this request to guarantee that applications request no unwanted user data. Because Android is a far more adaptable and open security architecture, this is theoretically conceivable with Android phones. Through increased interoperability, apps may, for instance, pick up on user preferences more rapidly. From a security perspective, however, this is a negative.
Face ID
Recently every high-end phone has some form of face lock. Face ID in iPhones is by far more secure. Because Apple employs the cutting-edge TrueDepth camera, it is secure. Your face is 3D scanned by this sensor, which can identify 30,000 different traits. Doing this will unlock your iPhone even if you’re wearing a hat or cap. An alternative to face open is available on the Galaxy S9, an iPhone rival: Intelligent Scan. It is not as sophisticated as Face ID. Although less precise, the Samsung scanner analyzes the contour of your iris and face. It is consequently more likely that the scanner may malfunction and unlock the phone improperly.
Frequent Updates
It is typical for iPhone customers to receive three to four significant iOS upgrades. While doing this, many Android owners are permitted to slap their hands together when they receive two years’ worth of security updates. Every year, concurrent with the release of the new iPhones, Apple releases a significant iOS version upgrade that is also available for the iPhones from 2013. In addition, several minor updates with bug fixes are released every few weeks. Sometimes other features are also included, such as new emojis. Apple has complete authority over iOS, unlike Google. The significant search engine company has to collaborate with many partners and modify the software for hundreds of different devices. The average Android smartphone thus receives fewer updates and versions.
Third-party marketplace
For downloading apps, you should go to the App Store. Since Apple keeps an eye on every software in this store, it is in charge of ensuring user security. Unlike Google, you cannot simply download apps from several other providers. Downloading apk files from places besides the approved Play Store is relatively simple on Android devices. This raises your supply as a user and increases your risk. Google cannot ensure security since it lacks visibility into apps outside its store. Apple is not affected by this issue. Of course, you can get unapproved apps for iOS, but doing so involves some work, like jailbreaking your iPhone. You are wasting time because it is against Apple’s policies.
Operating system
Android operates on a wide range of mobile devices, unlike iOS, which is exclusively compatible with Apple-branded products. Hardware security may vary across different manufacturers’ products. A custom ROM or base operating system may also be employed by the device’s maker, which secures the phones by installing software that is difficult to remove or analyze for nefarious reasons. Since it is a personal choice, the debate over whether Android or the iPhone is safer is never-ending. Due to how user-friendly and affordable android phones are, many people utilize them. The iPhone is preferred by those who think the quality is more important than quantity.
Conclusion
The increasing threat landscape is challenging for practically everyone, so it cannot be avoided. It is acceptable that there is still a security comparison between iOS and Android. You can hire dedicated developers with experience in developing secure applications while selecting the platform for your app development. Whether a user is using iOS, Android, or Windows, the dangerous environment is essentially the same for all of them since hackers are quick to advance their cyberattacks. Most significantly, the use of social engineering in these attacks makes it much more unsettling. Anyone may become a victim of a cyberattack thanks to strategically planned phishing efforts. Thus the only way to guarantee protection is to use good cyber hygiene and always be on guard.
Author
Ronak Patel is a CEO and Founder of Aglowid IT Solutions, an ever-emerging Top Web and Mobile Development company with a motto of turning clients into successful businesses. He believes that Client’s success is company’s success and so that he always makes sure that Aglowid helps their client’s business to reach to its true potential with the help of his best team with the standard development process he set up for the company.
