Recall the times when cybercriminals primarily focused their attacks on laptops and desktops? Times change! Today, cybercriminals are targeting smartphones and tablets almost every day. This being true, begs the question: Which mobile operating system is more secure, Android, or iOS?

Surprisingly, consumers increasingly use their mobiles for banking, connecting on social media, and making online transactions. Cybercriminals are targeting virus and malware attacks on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. The iOS and Android operating systems, have become appealing targets for cyber thieves reluctant to access personal information of users.

If safety is your ultimate concern, and you want to keep your Android or iOS device free of virus attacks and malware, which operating system should you rightly choose?

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There is no simple answer.

Android vs. iOS: The threat level

In some spheres, Apple’s iOS operating system has long been considered the more secure of the two operating systems. Why? Apple’s operating system is a closed system. 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 accordingly. This makes it problematic for hackers to find vulnerabilities on iOS-powered devices.

On the contrary, Android devices, relying on open-source code, meaning that the owners of these devices can tinker with their phones and tablet’s operating systems. Too much fiddling might create a weakness in their devices’ security. 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 without any doubt!

Android is targeted by hackers because the operating system powers so many mobile devices today. The global popularity of the Android operating system makes it an attractive and engaging target for cybercriminals. Android devices are more at risk of the malware and viruses that these criminals discover.

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But this doesn’t tell the entire story. While iOS may be considered more secure, it’s not impossible for cybercriminals to hit iPhones or iPads. The owners of Android and iOS devices need to be aware of possible malware and viruses and be careful when downloading apps from third-party app stores. It’s safest to download apps from trusted and verified sources, such as Google Play and the Apple App Store, which vet the apps they sell.

Then there are the social engineering attacks in which cybercriminals trick users into giving up log-in information, access to bank accounts, and other personal data. Doesn’t matter what mobile operating system you are on: both iOS and Android can be equally vulnerable to these types of phishing attacks.

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