Are iPhone or Android Cell Phones More Secure?

If you use a smart phone in the United States, you’re in the majority. According to recent stats, more than 70% of adults in the U.S. now own a smart phone and regularly do research, communicate, and seek out entertainment on their mobile devices. If you have a smart phone, it’s likely that you are using an Android or iOS operating system.

With cyber security more important than ever, many people wonder if they are safer using an iOS or Android device. While both operating systems are constantly evolving as they respond to new threats and technology, research has found that iPhone’s system is generally more secure than Android’s at the present time. Here are a few reasons why:

Open Source vs Closed Source

One of the big reasons that Android is more vulnerable to attack is due to its status as open source. Anyone can look at what’s in Android operating systems and make modifications to apps. While this is usually good news for innovation and creativity, it can also cause security holes. There is no guarantee that those who make modifications are doing so correctly or securely. There is also a chance for hackers to get into the system and wreak havoc.

Apple keeps much tighter reins on its system, which makes it more secure. IOS does not release source code and is much more restrictive than Android’s OS. This makes the system more difficult to hack and also eliminates the chance of amateur coders making modifications that leave users vulnerable. With its tighter control on its operating system, Apple can impose tighter security measures and keep users safer.

Availability of Updates

Many security flaws occur in devices that are not upgraded to the latest version of the operating system. Apple’s iOS updates quickly filter through to users of all Apple devices and their upgrades tend to make a splash in the technology world. This encourages users to download the newest upgrade and in turn keeps their operating system and their device more secure.

Those who use Android devices are a fragmented bunch who sometimes don’t get the memo about upgrades. Unlike the seamless nature of Apple updates, Android updates are not universally recognized and many users simply don’t download them. That means there are thousands of Android devices being used that are still using old operating systems that could have security flaws or other weaknesses.

Threat Level

Android has approximately 74% of the mobile device operating market, which makes it a much bigger target than Apple. Due to the popularity of Android devices and its open source approach, hackers and other cyber criminals tend to target this operating system more often. And, unlike Apple, Android cannot keep tight control over the security of its apps which makes it a much easier target for those who want to steal information or engage in other cyber crimes.

Privacy Measures

When it comes to privacy, IOS also outshines its Android competitor. IPhones use passcodes, fingerprints, end-to-end encryption on iMessage, and, most importantly, the new Secure Enclave. Secure Enclave is a sub-section of the processor chip that stores critical data such as fingerprints and adds an extra layer of security that means even Apple itself cannot break into iPhones that have Secure Enclave in place. Apple also has a pro-privacy stance and demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting the privacy of its users. While Android also has privacy measures in place, they simply cannot compete with Apple’s high standards and ironclad determination.  

We use our mobile devices for everything from choosing a restaurant to eat at to sharing files with co-workers across the world and everything in between. Whether you are looking at it from a personal or corporate standpoint, using Apple devices with the iOS operating system is the best choice if you want to keep your information and communication safe and secure.