Android and iOS are not coming slowly in terms of popularity, and millions of sets are marketed every year.
But there is a huge difference in both platforms, whether in security or features.
Most people prefer features over security; however, many security-conscious individuals might have a question comparing the safety of both platforms.
Android or iOS is not entirely secure, but inspecting different aspects of these platforms will find a winner.
Device manufacturer and Hardware
The device’s manufacturing is essential insecurity for the appealing user. It is the first thing an individual notice before buying Android or iOS.
But have you ever thought of the security that lies in manufacturing and design?
iPhone has almost the same design as Apple only manufactures it. On the other hand, Android technology is made by many international and local companies, which have a huge difference in terms of manufacturing.
Android security largely depends on the hardware it’s running on. Some manufacturers design more effective systems, ensuring that all the built-in security features remain working without any flaws.
For instance, Samsung’s KNOX 2.0 platform provides a more effective booting process to avoid loading any illegitimate software when the mobile starts.
Apple has devices that can effectively work together with the OS, and therefore, they have more control over them. To make security more authentic, iOS users are restricted to fewer choices regarding features.
Yet, Android provides a wide range of installation of devices due to its open nature. Some of the devices are secure to integrate, but many leave security loopholes in your Android phone.
Depending on the manufacturers, Android comes with two types of device-based security; Retinal and fingerprint scanners or passwords and patterns.
Operating System; Update and Compatibility
Most of the threats and vulnerability attacks are due to the lack of updates accompanied by security patches.
Android update versions have huge time gaps, as well as very few Android devices are updated to the latest version. Due to many Android devices and different manufacturers, it is tough to maintain the same level of security.
Yet, iOS devices are effective in this matter. They have regular updates, which are easier to distribute and control. They have good control over the users through which they make sure that all the iOS gets an update.
When comparing Android and iOS updates, it is also a fact that iOS updates have full support for the older version, which is better than Android.
For instance, iOS 11 has complete support for iPhone 5S, released back in 2013.
The latest version of Android, “Oreo,” runs on just 0.2% of devices. However, iOS 11 was updated on 66% of compatible devices after six weeks after its release.
Apple App Store VS Google Play Store
Android users might be happier with the variety and options of apps they have on the Google Play Store compared to iOS users.
Apple’s App Store has less app variety, but all the apps are more securer than Android. This is because Apple has more restrictions and higher standards for an app to pass its security check process successfully. Also, an iOS user could not install any app from other sources until the device is not jailbroken.
However, there is an option in Android devices through which users can tweak settings to install an app from an unknown source.
On many occasions, apps on Google Play Store were found vulnerable or injected with malware. Because Play Store also has a security check, it is not so authentic, and illegitimate apps could still pass through.
For instance, a malicious version of WhatsApp was displayed on Google Play and was downloaded by 1 million people before being recognized and removed. That is a high-security risk.
OS Security Code
“The point is because Android is open-source, anyone can look at what’s in Android. You can’t do that with iOS,” said Jack Gold, principal analyst with J. Gold Associates.
According to Gold, if a developer induces a slight modification to an app on Android, it initiates a security issue.
On the other side, Apple focuses on the changes developers can make, and they don’t release their source code. Therefore, it’s harder to jailbreak the iPhone device. Even if a device is a jailbreak and Apple discovers it, it will shut it down.
Source code availability makes a device vulnerable and easily accessible to a wide range of hackers and all the malicious entities out there.
Popularity
Popularity is a bit weak, affecting factor for privacy, but still, it does make a difference.
According to Forrester, Android has the lion’s share of the 74% market portion, followed by a 21% share of Apple. Such a large number of devices is difficult to manage, and hackers are more the target of Android phones.
Developing malware for Android is more advantageous for hackers as they have plenty of options to invade. Also, the open marketplace and popularity propel more apps for Android.
On the contrary, fewer devices and stringent monitoring of iOS make it less vulnerable to cyber-attack.
Android VS iOS; Who is the Winner
With security, perspective iOS is far better than Android.
iOS has more restricted yet high check and balance procedures on all their devices and regular release services for their customers.
On the contrary, Android lacks, but it could be a secure platform with suitable precautions. For instance, avoid downloading from unknown apps using antivirus software and other encryption tools.
Android and iOS are burning the candle at both ends to make 2018 and the coming year more secure. iPhone has plans to introduce a facial scanner for guaranteed owner privacy, yet, Android has hopes high to equal the level of competitors.
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About the Author
Zehra Ali is a Tech Reporter and Journalist. She has done her Masters in Mass Communication. Topics related to cybersecurity, IoT, AI, Big Data and other privacy matters are extensively covered by her on various platforms. You can follow her on twitter.
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