iOS More Secure than Android?

Mobile app security company, PRADEO has just released a report that highlights the security concerns that the largest mobile operating systems are currently facing. The report highlights statistics that place iOS above Android and the company draws two conclusions as to why this is. 

First, the security level on Android is lower than the one on iOS. Second is that the results regarding iOS apps do not actually reflect the security level of the apps available in the app store. But the question is,  do these conclusions actually reflect the nature of security or a difference in philosophy on how each of the systems are managed?

Apple maintains a grip on iOS development. App developers are required to pay a yearly fee and Apple also reviews each app, creating a walled garden. iOS devices only allow for certain select APIs to be accessed by developers as well, creating the effect of closing down certain system capabilities that might otherwise bring about some amazing user features.

Now compare the above company to Android, whose system is open. There is no fee to develop, and the tools can be found anywhere. While there is a review process for apps in addition to the ability for users to look unto Android code and root out certain types of behavior, it seems to not to be as vigorously enforced as Apple. Another factor against Android are the multiple phone models that run on a variety of Android versions. It becomes difficult to patch these older systems and weed out versions of Android that have been exploited or not good for enterprise integration. 

Not to mention the ability to ‘sideload’ applications. Sideloading is the ability to install applications from other locations other than Google’s online app store. This seems to create an effect of having more hostile apps present for an Android system to come in contact with. Water finds the path of least resistance, and so do those that wish harm. While Apple’s process is not fool proof, it seems to create the net effect of making it far more difficult to get a ill-behaving app into the App Store.

In all, the report highlights the reality that there are security concerns on mobile apps. Over time, this will grow as developers gain a better understanding of how to take advantage of exploits and how users employ their phones. Mobile banking, shopping and more integration into our daily lives can allow a determined hacker to gain access to private information. Understanding how your smartphone handles security is becoming a vital skill in today’s world.