Are you more of an Apple person or a more Android person? Your answer can determine which one you prefer, how much you contribute to the market and how secure the data is..
When Google launched the Pixel 3 - a new Android-powered smartphone that is known for its camera quality - it was said to be the most secure device Google has ever known, which helps protect data from device by encrypting them.
There has been a great debate between Apple and Android, and there is a certain difference in the level of security between these two broad categories of device, given that everyone's operating system is very different..
Security measures for Apple and Android devices
“There is a difference between 'confidentiality' and 'security'. Jessica Ortega, an Internet security analyst from Scottsdale, said based on SiteLock. “Privacy is how data is used and stored, and Apple is in control in this area. She also mentioned.
“If we have to talk about privacy, Android would be a secondary choice. " she says. “Data from Android mobile devices is transmitted to the Google server to allow the development of certain advertisements and user profiles, which makes Android much more customizable, but less confidential for system operators. "
On the other hand, Apple has made clear its commitment to managing data privacy, by storing more data locally on the device and sending less information to its servers for advertising purposes..
“Some companies might try to convince you by saying 'I need all of your data to improve my services'. But don't believe it, because no matter what they tell you, it's just plain wrong. Apple CEO Tim Cook said.
The security of Apple and Android devices
Android collects and sells a lot of data to advertisers. So which devices are the least vulnerable to hacking? “Apple” once again declared Ortega. And so it is because Apple's iOS system closely monitors the apps sold and uploaded to the App Store.
“To a certain degree, Android prides itself on being open-source and making it easy to add apps to the Play Store. But it also makes it easier for malicious apps to enter despite security checks. Unlike the Play Store on Android, the App Store for Apple devices is much more restrictive. Applications there need to pass a much more in-depth security scan before being authorized to distribute.
In August 2018, Google had to remove 145 Android apps from its Play Store after Palo Alto Networks informed Google that they were infected with malware and stole user data.
Google's Android platform is considered to be an open source having a more accessible development platform and app store. Web developers can easily create apps for smartphones there, and users can customize their devices even more. Apple on the other hand is much more restrictive, so there are fewer applications available and less customization applicable for users.
Updates for Apple and Android devices
There is also another downside with Android, which is that software updates are infrequent. In July 2015, a security researcher discovered a code bug in Android devices that left more than 950 million smartphones vulnerable to hackers. Such bugs should however push the company to put a hand in the paw to offer more updates.
“Google still has little control over Android software updates, and users are at the mercy of mobile operators and manufacturers when it comes to getting updates to new versions of operating systems. Said Lorenzo Franceshi-Bicchierai, a security journalist.
In 2013, the United States Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking it to investigate telephone operators - including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile - for failing to '' Inform customers that Google's Android system could work without any security updates.
"Android smartphones that do not receive security updates quickly and regularly are flawed and unreasonably dangerous," said the United States Union for Civil Liberties.
Other Apple and Android device privacy protection efforts
Although for many reasons Apple provides much more secure devices, users have a responsibility to do more than just choose a more secure device.
“Securing your phone is only one aspect of your personal cyber posture. Said David Ginsburg, the vacuum president of marketing at Cavirin, a California-based cybersecurity firm.
Note that buying a more secure phone might protect you against malicious programs (software and apps), but not against data scandals - like the one where Facebook made the subject of a breach involving Cambridge Analytica that affected 87 million users - neither phishing attacks seeking password information. To avoid these kinds of security issues, all users should have a good background in digital hygiene, such as using a password manager and two-step verification.
The verdict ? Apple is still the best in the area of data privacy, but you will still need to take concrete steps to prevent all kinds of hacks that you may be subjected to.
