Popularity: The Android operating system is hugely popular. Here’s a look at the Android operating system. iOS: How does the mobile operating system of each impact their security? It’s best to go to the Apple App Store.Īndroid vs. If you do venture outside Google Play, you could likely increase your chances of downloading an infected app. You really have no reason to download Android apps from any other location. Your best bet? For Android, stick to the Google Play store.
That’s why it’s important to download apps only from reputable sources. The same can be true for iOS, especially if you download an app from a third-party source. Downloading a rogue app is the easiest way to infect your Android phone, tablet, or wearable device with malware or a virus. But keep in mind, you also have to be cautious with iOS.Ĭonsider all the apps you download. This means, though, that you need to be more cautious. Many users find Android attractive because it is a more open operating system.
This platform provides a more secure booting process, helping to prevent unauthorized software from loading when a user turns on a Samsung mobile device. The Samsung Knox security solution comes pre-installed in all of the company’s phones, tablets, and wearable devices. Simply put, some manufacturers are better at making sure Android’s built-in security features work correctly.Ī good example is Samsung. Much of the security of an Android device depends on the hardware.
This way, when Android or iOS updates are released, their devices will automatically update to the latest versions of their operating systems. Of course, the owners of both Android and iOS devices can turn on automatic updating on their mobile devices.
Ignoring these updates could put your phone or tablet at risk.Īpple’s iOS updates tend to be bigger events, typically prompting iPhone and iPad users to install them as soon as they are released. But these updates are designed to help protect your Android devices against the latest security threats. It can be tempting to skip the installation of them, especially when life gets busy.
Want to help keep your Android phone or tablet safe? Always upgrade your mobile devices to the latest version of the Android OS. It doesn't matter what mobile operating system you are using: both iOS and Android can be equally vulnerable to these types of phishing attacks.Īndroid and iOS software updates and security updates Then there are the social engineering attacks in which cybercriminals attempt to trick users into giving up log-in information, access to bank accounts, and other personal data. It’s safest to download apps from trusted sources, such as Google Play and the Apple App Store, which vet the apps they sell. The owners of both Android and iOS devices need to be aware of possible malware and viruses, and be careful when downloading apps from third-party app stores. While iOS may be considered more secure, it’s not impossible for cybercriminals to hit iPhones or iPads.
Android devices, then, are more at risk of the malware and viruses that these criminals unleash.īut this doesn’t tell the entire story. The global popularity of the Android operating system makes it a more attractive target for cybercriminals. If a phone maker puts out a new device with a modification to the Android operating system and there’s a vulnerability in that code, hackers will find it.Īndroid is more often targeted by hackers, too, because the operating system powers so many mobile devices today. Too much tinkering, and owners might create a weakness in their devices’ security. This makes it more difficult for hackers to find vulnerabilities on iOS-powered devices.Īndroid devices are the opposite, relying on an open-source code, meaning that the owners of these devices can tinker with their phone’s and tablet’s operating systems. Apple doesn’t release its source code to app developers, and the owners of iPhones and iPads can't modify the code on their phones themselves. Why? Apple’s operating system is a closed system. In some circles, Apple’s iOS operating system has long been considered the more secure of the two operating systems.
If safety is your main concern, and you want to keep your Android or iOS device free of viruses and malware, which operating system should you choose?