Symantec: iOS Is More Secure than Android

Symantec recently did a review of the security implemented by the two most popular smartphone platforms, iOS and Android. What they found won't surprise anyone. iOS is far more secure than Android when it comes to defending against malicious attacks. Although, iOS, like any platform, is not invulnerable to attack. Symantec figures the best way to hit either platform would be a social network based scheme, presumably to steal user data. iOS bested or tied Android in every test involving resistance to malicious attacks, as well as the implementation used to protect users, save for one: "isolation". This means that they believe iOS could be vulnerable if apps are created to share data with other apps. Still, this wouldn't be very easy to do, especially since the attacker would need to get an app approved on the App Store. The code in question would most likely raise red flags at Apple, and the attacker would be out the money for the developer kit.

Android has had a number of issues with malware already, proof that what Symantec is saying is true. The open nature of Android makes it easy to slip powerful malware into a user's device. With Android, be careful what you download and what apps get permissions. Otherwise, an attacker would have no trouble gaining control of your handset. Of course, these malicious apps are getting more tricky every day, appearing to be normal apps, with the very functionality they advertise. It's getting harder to discern the difference between malware and a normal app.

As always, be careful on the internet, regardless of the operating system you're using. Symantec was careful to point out that while iOS has far better security than Android, there is still the possibility of an attack. Though they don't detail how an attacker would be able to accomplish this, it is still a possibility. Always exercise caution on the web.
via AppleInsider