Android vs iOS: Who Offers the Best Online Security?

Concerned about online security when you’re using your phone? Compare the Android and iOS operating systems to find out which one offers the best online security.

While you might immediately think of browsing the internet from your desktop PC or laptop when you hear the term “online security,” cybercriminals are increasingly going after your phone. People around the world are doing more and more of their banking, shopping, and business on their smartphones. Are there any gaps in your phone’s operating system that could be allowing access to nefarious online criminals?

One of the biggest questions you should be asking is, “what is better for phone security – Android or iOS?” The simple answer is that cyber crime seems to be targeting both systems at an alarming rate. That said, there are some key differences to consider before you choose the best phone for your needs.

What are the differences between iOS vs. Android’s online security?

Some Apple lovers have long regarded the iOS operating system as the pinnacle of phone security. Safety from online crime and viruses has long been a key selling point for Apple products, and many people think that they are safer than Android phones.

This is due to the fact that Apple uses an operating system that is closed. This means that they do not make their source code available to app developers, and phone users can’t modify the code on their devices. Ideally, this should make it harder for a hacker or cybercriminal to get into the phone and find its weak spots.

Android devices couldn’t be more different. One of their core tenets is that they use completely open source code, allowing phone owners and app developers to edit and alter the operating system. This feature itself can lead to problems, as when an inexperienced developer tinkers with their device a bit too much they can actually create vulnerabilities.

Who will find those vulnerabilities? You guessed it – cybercriminals. They are always on the lookout for these weak points, and they use them to create viruses and malware that attack your phone and access your most sensitive information.

However, this simple comparison doesn’t reveal the entire picture. While many people see these assessments and then assume that iOS is the safer option, cybercriminals are always working hard on methods designed to attack iPhones, iWatches, and iPads.

In fact, some people become very complacent when they have an Apple product, thinking that they are protected from all types of viruses and malware. This causes them to be less stringent about the kinds of apps and files that they download. They then end up with a massive problem on their device, and their personal information is at risk.

How can you keep your iOS or Android phone free from malware and viruses?

No matter what kind of device you use, you need to take certain measures and precautions if you want to keep your phone safe. Here are just a few tips and tricks that can help keep your banking details, social media profiles, email accounts and other personal information safe.

• Always install the latest security updates – While it can be tempting to put your security updates off until you have some free time, you should prioritize each and every new update as soon as they are released. Better yet, you should always turn on the automatic update option. That way, you will never miss an update.
• Regularly change your password – It is always a good idea to use strong passwords, and ensure that they are different for each site and app. Use a random combination of numbers, letters, and characters, and use a password manager to keep track of them. Change your passwords on a regular basis, and don’t give them out to anyone.
• Be careful about the apps you download – When you are about to download a cool new app or hot new game, take a moment to assess its source. Does it come from a reputable source? If the link doesn’t look legitimate, do not take the risk. Always download your apps from the Google Play store or Apple Store.

The name of the game is caution and security

As long as you follow the three main points listed above (doing all security updates, changing your passwords, and using caution when downloading apps), you will keep yourself – and your phone – safe from cyber crime.