Is iOS Still More Secure Than Android?

One of the hallmarks of Apple’s supremacy over its competitors has always been the safety of its operating systems.

21:40 06 September 2017

iPhone users take it for granted that they're not going to get viruses and aren’t vulnerable to hacking. In the same way that Toyota is still considered the “reliable” car, the perception of iOS as secure is unlikely to dissipate.

 

But just as Toyota’s competitive reliability became less pronounced despite its reputation remaining stable, technology evolves, and Apple’s competitors have put billions into improving the security of their software.

 

So, is iOS still more secure than Android? Or are Apple simply playing off of what once was?

 

iOS is not 100% secure

 

No operating system can be 100% secure. Although many Apple users do not give a second thought to securing their operating system, even Apple will tell you to take care. While downloading antivirus software is unnecessary (and can slow down your device), consider getting a VPN for iOS. This secures your data, as well as makes you near impossible to track.

 

Despite iOS having some vulnerabilities, there are indications that iOS is the most secure operating system. For example…

 

It is still a closed platform

 

One of Apple’s most annoying habits is also responsible for their software’s resistance to viruses. Apple does not allow anyone to tinker with its software. Third party developers are carefully vetted, and features are set in stone. You cannot use pirated software, unless you “jailbreak” your phone.

 

All of this makes the iPhone far more secure. Android was founded on principles of openness and collaboration. And while this is admirable and may be necessary for the evolution of its software, it also leaves users open to more security breaches.

 

iOS users update their software

 

Another reason iOS can be safer has more to do with how its users treat the software. Whenever there is a new update, iPhone users are eager to install it as soon as possible. It’s no longer a difficult process, and there are always new features that are attractive, if sometimes useless.

 

Android users, on the other hand, don’t update their software nearly as consistently. This leaves them open to security breaches that the updated software has eliminated. Of course, if you update your Android software consistently, you won’t have this problem.

 

For these reasons…

 

Loads more malware is developed for Android

 

Developers of malware know that Android is more vulnerable and therefore develop viruses that target Android users, rather than spend time trying to break down Apple’s defenses. It’s somewhat circular. Because Apple has always been more secure, hackers attack Android, keeping Android on the back foot. Even if Android were to implement the same security measures as Apple – including closing off their platform – they'd still be more vulnerable.

 

That’s not to say that Android does not have good defenses in place. The operating system is safer now than ever before. However, iOS is still more secure, and it looks like that will stay the case for the foreseeable future.