The sophistication and prevalence of cyberattacks are increasing as technology advances. When a security breach occurs, cybercriminals can access sensitive information such as passwords, bank account numbers, photos, and more on mobile devices.


Choosing the most reliable mobile operating system (OS) will prevent this outcome and keep your data safe. The two largest operating systems are iOS and Android, so you will have to weigh their pros and cons.


The question in 2022 is which operating system is more secure than iOS or Android? Both have been targets of malware and cyberattacks over the years, but which remains more secure in 2022?


Depending on the situation.


It took Apple a year to inform users about Pegasus Spyware and secure iOS in 2016 when it infected iPhones around the world. The Pegasus virus remains a threat today despite Apple's lawsuit against the company that created it.


While Android has some security flaws, it has not been immune to them. Google Play Store apps containing malware, for example, hacked over 1 million users between 2019 and 2021. Some Android devices do not guarantee regular security updates, which poses a greater threat to even more users.


Based on Google Trends and CVE data, we compared iOS with Android to determine which is more secure. To determine which mobile operating system is the most secure, we ranked each update using our security score calculator.


iOS vs. Android: issues over the years:




A decade-long comparison of iOS and Android security issues was conducted using Google Trends data. Google searches for update issues have typically spiked after Apple releases an update, especially when there is a new version.


The release of iOS 7 coincided with the spike in iOS searches in September 2013. A similar spike occurred during iOS 8's release in September 2014.


The release of new Android updates, however, tends to coincide less with spikes in search traffic. Maybe Android devices are less likely to install the latest update because users have fewer problems with the operating system, or maybe it's because its users have fewer problems with the operating system.


Using average search traffic levels for each OS, the following results were obtained:


  • iOS update issues search traffic level: 19.7.


  • Android update issues search traffic level: 16.1.


Users were seeking to solve a particular number of problems with this score. Higher scores indicate buggy software, so the higher the score, the more buggy the software. Android users reported more technical issues than iOS users because Android has a lower score of 16.1.


Android appears to be the more secure operating system according to this data set.


How secure is iOS?


The tight security of iOS is often cited as a reason why it is regarded as the safer operating system when compared to Android. Since iPhones are unlikely to get infected with viruses unless they're jailbroken, viruses are unlikely to infiltrate them.


Taking into account Google Trends data and vulnerabilities reported for each update, iOS 5, 7, and 8 had the lowest vulnerability numbers, whereas iOS 11, 14, and 15 had the highest. Cybercriminals may be attracted to iPhones because of their increasing popularity, resulting in a recent rise in update vulnerabilities.


Although these data are updated at the time of their release, they do not reflect the previous security level. You should always update your phone to ensure the highest level of security.


In the following sections, we will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of iOS security.


iOS security strengths:


Among iOS updates, iOS 5 was the most secure. In 2011, users became familiar with iCloud for the first time with this update. It was the most secure update on our list due to its only three serious vulnerabilities.


There have not always been reliable security updates on iOS, but some of the most important features are as follows:


  • Apple constantly patches security vulnerabilities with iOS updates, which are scheduled frequently.

  • Cybercriminals have a harder time finding vulnerabilities because Apple's code is closed-source.

  • The newest updates are available on every recent iPhone.

  • Apple features an App Store where content is better vetted, whereas Android allows anyone to publish an app.


According to Allan Buxton, director of forensics at Secure Data Recovery Services, Apple's update process has an advantage over Android's built-in security settings: "If the user sticks to the default operating system that came with his iPhone (and most do), Apple has delivered updates uniformly throughout the iPhone series' lifespan.


The Android handset manufacturers, by contrast, usually guarantee two years' worth of updates. Second-year OS updates are often not released or come out so late in product lifecycles that security issues remain unresolved.


As a result, iOS' ability to deliver new updates is one of its biggest security strengths.


iOS security weaknesses:


The iOS 11 update had a security score of 11.1 on our list of the worst iOS updates. This is because it was found to contain a large number of vulnerabilities.


There are many security vulnerabilities in iOS, including:


  • In addition to being an advantage in some ways, Apple's closed-source code also makes finding and reporting security issues more challenging.

  • More serious vulnerabilities have been reported in recent iOS updates compared to previous updates (such as execution code overflows and memory corruption).

  • The user feedback from Android is less since it has a smaller user base.


Throughout its history, Apple has prioritized security. Its weakness is that it lacks many severe flaws because of this. Although Android and iOS are both vulnerable to some exploits, some are more prevalent than others.


A zero-click attack (or stealth attack) enables malicious actors to gain full access to a user's phone without requiring any interaction from the user, according to Clario's VP of engineering Volodymyr Shchegel. As an example, some NSO Group clients had problems with WebKit, core graphics, and iMessage on iOS, which are used by activists and journalists who are infected with Pegasus spyware.


The importance of mobile security optimization is all the more evident when dangerous exploits are encountered, such as those cited by Shchegel.


Is Android safe?


The popularity of Android means that security issues are more likely to arise since it is the most commonly used mobile operating system worldwide. Furthermore, since Android's user base is very large, it can provide more feedback for the development of security enhancements.


The most vulnerable Android versions were 7, 8, 10, and 11, whereas Android 5 had the least number of vulnerabilities.


Based on our analysis of Android's strengths and weaknesses, we determined whether it is a secure OS overall.


Android security strengths:


Achieving Android's best security score with its most recent update is an impressive achievement. Security has been a priority for Android in recent years.


A few of Android's strongest security features are as follows:


  • A vulnerability in Android code can easily be found and reported by users, thanks to the open-source code.

  • App support from third parties: Android has a wide variety of security applications from third parties.

  • A larger pool of user feedback is available for Android since it is the most popular operating system.


In addition, Android's open-source code is not only a strength but also a security disadvantage. Siegel emphasizes that due to Android's open-source nature, security issues are likely to be discovered and fixed more quickly.


"However, due to the fragmentation of the ecosystem, you often have to buy new Android devices to stay protected, since many vendors - particularly cheap smartphones - don't provide any software updates or provide them very late."


There are some pros to open-source code, but there are also some cons when it comes to security. It is, however, possible to minimize these disadvantages by updating your software regularly.


Android security weaknesses:


Mobile users around the world prefer Android, but it can be vulnerable to security threats. OS with a large user base is indeed more vulnerable to cyberattacks.


Android has many many serious security problems, including:


  • Vulnerabilities in open-source code can be easily exploited by malicious hackers.

  • Updates are only guaranteed for two years with most devices.

  • Marketplaces with different vetting processes: This makes it easier for malicious applications to be published.


Even though Android updates regularly, not every phone runs the most recent build of the OS. One study reported that Android 10 was most commonly used two years after it was released, which was two years ago.


The open-source code of Android is also a security weakness, according to Marilyn Gaskell, founder of TruePeopleSearch.


Gaskell states that despite Android's open nature, it's susceptible to malware, even though it has the same security measures as iOS.The fact that anyone can produce an Android app makes malware harder to locate and track.


iOS vs. Android: Ranked in 2022:


Based on Google Trends consumer data and CVE data about published vulnerabilities, we ranked updates from least to most vulnerable. More recent iOS updates featured severe vulnerabilities, compared to Android updates with less severe ones.


The most secure was iOS 5 and 7, with Android 12 seconds, followed by iOS 11, 13, and 14.


Is iOS better than Android in this battle of mobile operating systems? I'll show you what I mean.


The most secure update overall: iOS 5:


One of Apple's earliest updates, iOS 5, was one of the most secure available at the time of its release. Despite its vulnerabilities, it only had three serious ones. This update was nearly impenetrable compared to those with upwards of 200 serious vulnerabilities.


Vulnerabilities totaled 3


The most secure Android update: Android 12:


Several security features have been added to Android 12 since it was released in 2021. The update allows you to restrict app access to your private information, such as your location tracking and camera and microphone usage.18 serious vulnerabilities were found in this update. It is still an impressive number, even though it isn't quite as impenetrable as iOS 5.


A total of 18 serious vulnerabilities have been identified


The highest net vulnerabilities overall: Android 10:

This update was buggy, to say the least, even though most of Android 10's vulnerabilities were not severe. This update found more than 800 net vulnerabilities.


There are more than 800 vulnerabilities in total


The highest net vulnerabilities for iOS: iOS 11


Over 200 vulnerabilities were found in this update. The data we collected suggested that over 20% of those vulnerabilities were severe. Because of this, iOS 11 is the least secure iOS update ever released.


A total of 200 vulnerabilities have been identified


What's the most secure platform in 2022: iOS or Android?


Among our most secure operating systems, iOS takes the top spot.


Each OS and its strengths and weaknesses were taken into consideration during our analysis.


Most recent iOS devices are updated frequently, which ultimately gave iOS the win. Despite Android's ability to deliver security updates quickly, its accessibility varies from device to device, which limits how quickly updates can be delivered.


In comparison to iOS, Android remains less secure, despite improvements.


There is no way to completely protect yourself against security breaches and zero-day attacks, regardless of whether you own an Android device or an iPhone.Using VPNs and spyware removal tools is an important part of staying proactive about security.


The 10 best tips to protect your data


Cybercriminals can harm us if they gain access to sensitive information on our phones. The security of your data is therefore crucial, so you must take all necessary precautions.


Here are some tips for avoiding spyware threats and optimizing your computer's security.


Here are some tips on iOS security for 2022


Despite Apple's careful security measures, sometimes developers don't have enough control over how your personal information is handled. Keeping data secure requires users to take proactive measures.


Make sure these tips protect your iPhone:


  • The most common source of malware is advertisements. Use an ad blocker to protect yourself. You should use an iOS ad blocker to enhance your browsing experience and protect your phone.

  • Strong passwords are essential to keeping your data safe. Four-digit passcodes are insufficient. To prevent criminals from accessing your personal information, create a passcode with at least six digits.

  • You may be asked to enable location tracking indefinitely when you use some apps. It is not advisable to do this, however, if you do not trust an app. Rather than allowing location tracking every time, force an app to ask for your permission once you have allowed it.

  • You can conceal your IP address and other personal information when using the internet with an iPhone VPN, or virtual private network. By doing so, you'll be able to browse Safari without worrying.

  • Configure two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication should be enabled for apps containing sensitive information. Consequently, your important information will likely remain secure even if your passwords are compromised.


Tips for 2022 on Android security


There are always steps you can take to protect your personal information, even if your Android phone's manufacturer varies in security.


The following tips will help you keep your Android device secure: 


  • Ensure enhanced protection in your Safe Browsing settings when you use Google Chrome on an Android device. As a result, Chrome will warn you when you are about to visit a dangerous website or download something.

  • You should monitor the permissions that your apps ask for. For example, a camera app might ask for permission to use your location. In contrast, if you do not trust an app, you shouldn't give it access to your device. If you haven't already checked your privacy settings, you may want to do so now to ensure that there are no apps that have already invasive permissions.

  • As time goes on, OS updates become more and more dangerous to use, no matter how secure they were when first released. To ensure the safety of your data, you should update it as often as possible.

  • Put a passcode requirement on your lock screen to enforce lock screen security. A criminal might have to rely on your PIN to access your personal information when you leave your phone unattended.

  • You should use antivirus software to protect your smartphone from malware and data theft. Clario’s Android antivirus is one of the best tools out there. With our antivirus, you are protected from every angle, including virus scanning, VPN access, and identity theft protection.


Methodology


HARO, an online resource that connects journalists with industry experts, and Google Trends were the sources of our data. Our ranking system ranked iOS and Android updates based on their security level, from best to worst.


We began tracking data from Android 5 and iOS 5 onward because Google Trends data was insufficient for some early operating system updates. Neither iOS nor Android included minor updates in our ranking. The number of updates for iOS was ranked with whole numbers (so iOS 4 would rank, but iOS 4.1 would not). The Android ranking is based on the updates that kick off code names. Similarly, we did not collect data for Android Lollipop's corresponding updates 5.0.2 or 5.1.


The ranking was removed from any update that had insufficient data.


In weighing our rankings, we took into account the following factors:


  • Using data from iOS's Google Trends.

  • Data compiled by Google Trends for Android.

  • Vulnerabilities published by iOS.

  • Vulnerabilities published for Android.

  • There have been 9 major vulnerabilities discovered in iOS (CVSS score ≥9).

  • There have been a total of nine major vulnerabilities published for Android (CVSS score ≥9).


According to Google Trends, each update was correlated with the year that CVE data was at its peak. The security score of iOS 11 was based on CVE statistics from 2017 since "iOS 11 issues" generated the most search results in 2017.


Moreover, these rankings reflect which updates of the year were considered the most secure. Maintaining your phone's security requires that you update its software regularly.


There are advantages and disadvantages to both iOS and Android. In any case, the most important thing is to make sure your personal information is protected no matter which method you use.


Make sure your computer is secure with VPNs, antivirus software, and anti-tracking programs. It is possible to protect yourself from data breaches by combining these tactics and keeping your phone updated at all times.


Here's a comprehensive infographic we created on iOS and Android vulnerabilities you can download and see.