Many smartphone users are concerned about the security of their devices, particularly when it comes to the risk of being hacked. When it comes to iPhone vs. Android, people often have different opinions on which platform is more secure. Some believe that iPhones are more secure because they are made by Apple, while others argue that Android is more secure because it is open source. In this article, we will discuss whether iPhones are hacked more than Androids.
Hacking Statistics
According to a report from security firm Symantec, Android phones are more likely to be hacked than iPhones. The report found that in 2018, there were 48,000 malicious apps detected on Android compared to just 1,200 on iOS. Additionally, the report found that Android users were 2.5 times more likely to encounter a phishing attack than iOS users.
| iPhones | Androids | |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious Apps Detected (2018) | 1,200 | 48,000 |
| Phishing Attack Likelihood | 1 | 2.5 |
So based on these statistics, it seems that Android devices are more at risk for cyberattacks. However, this doesn’t mean that iPhones are immune to hacking attempts. In fact, there have been several high-profile hacks of iPhones in recent years.
Famous iPhone Hacks
The most famous iPhone hack was the iCloud celebrity photo leak in 2014. Hackers were able to gain access to private photos of celebrities by exploiting a weakness in Apple’s iCloud service. Another well-known iPhone hack was the FBI’s attempt to unlock an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters in 2016. The FBI eventually paid a third-party company to unlock the phone, but not before Apple refused to help and the two parties engaged in a highly publicized legal battle.
While these incidents are concerning, it’s important to note that they were highly targeted attacks and not something that the average smartphone user needs to worry about. If you follow basic security practices, such as using a passcode and not downloading suspicious apps, your iPhone should be relatively safe from hacking attempts.
Advantages of iPhone Security
One advantage that iPhones have over Android devices is that they receive regular security updates. Apple releases updates to address known vulnerabilities and patch security holes as soon as they are discovered. In contrast, Android updates are often delayed by carriers and manufacturers, which can leave devices vulnerable for longer periods of time.
Additionally, iPhones are known for their strict app review process. Apple screens all apps that are submitted to the App Store to ensure that they are safe and don’t contain malware. While this doesn’t guarantee that every app in the App Store is safe, it does provide an extra layer of security for iPhone users.
Conclusion
So, are iPhones hacked more than Android? Based on current statistics, it seems that Android devices are more at risk for cyberattacks. However, this doesn’t mean that iPhone users should be complacent about their security. By following basic security practices and keeping your device up to date with the latest software updates, you can help protect your iPhone from hacking attempts.