Introduction
The iOS and Android mobile operating systems power over 99% of smartphones worldwide. With so much personal and sensitive data on our phones, security has become a top concern for consumers when choosing between these two dominant platforms. In this article, I will compare iOS and Android on several key security features to help you determine which OS offers better protection.
Encryption
iOS Full Disk Encryption
Since iOS 8, Apple has offered full disk encryption on iOS devices. This means all data including photos, messages, and installed apps are encrypted by default. The key to decrypt this data is protected by the user’s passcode.
Apple states that it does not have the means to bypass a user’s passcode to access data. Without the passcode, the encryption keys are lost and the data remains inaccessible.
Android Full Disk Encryption
Android also offers full disk encryption, but it is not enabled by default. Users must enable this feature manually in their device settings.
Android uses a key derived from the lock screen PIN/password to decrypt user data. However, concerns were raised about Google’s ability to bypass this encryption in some cases by resetting the lock screen password.
Overall, iOS holds a slight edge currently with full disk encryption enabled by default.
App Vetting Process
iOS Walled Garden Approach
Apple utilizes a closed walled garden approach and reviews every app submitted to the iOS App Store. Apps must comply with Apple’s guidelines on security, privacy, and content. Apple claims to reject about 40% of submitted apps that don’t meet guidelines.
This vetting process provides strong control over the quality and security of apps allowed on iOS. It prevents malicious apps from entering the ecosystem easily.
Android Open Model
Android uses an open model where apps can be installed from multiple app stores or sideloaded. The official Google Play Store scans apps for malware but relies heavily on automated testing.
The decentralized nature of Android app distribution makes it easier for malicious apps to be published undetected. Users must be more cautious regarding Android app stores and sources compared to iOS.
The walled garden model gives iOS tighter control and review over all apps distributed to iPhones.
Updates
iOS Updates Controlled by Apple
Apple manages the entire iOS update process and releases software updates to all supported iPhones simultaneously. This means most iOS users are running the latest OS version with the newest security patches.
These regular updates enable Apple to quickly roll out security fixes to the iOS ecosystem. For older iPhones, Apple provides critical security updates separately from full OS releases.
Android Updates Managed by OEMs
For Android, Google develops security updates and major OS releases, but deployment to user devices is controlled by device manufacturers.
Unfortunately, many OEMs are slow to push updates to their phones. Also, Android has a fragmentation issue with many older devices running outdated and insecure versions of the OS.
The centralized model of iOS allows Apple to quickly deploy security patches when vulnerabilities are discovered.
Malware Threats
iOS Malware Concerns
Over the years, a few sophisticated malware and spyware apps have infiltrated the iOS App Store, such as the XCodeSpy and ZergHelper programs.
However, overall malware risk on iOS is still extremely low compared to Android. Apple’s tight control over app distribution significantly limits exposure to malicious programs.
Android Malware Still a Problem
Android continues to struggle with malware apps distributed through untrusted app stores and sideloading. One study found over 130,000 malware samples targeting Android.
Google has made improvements in identifying these threats. But inherently, the more open Android environment provides more avenues for malware attacks compared to locked down iOS.
The iOS ecosystem sees little malware infiltration thanks to Apple’s code review and control over the distribution process.
Secure Enclave Processor
iOS Security Enclave
The Secure Enclave is a coprocessor built into Apple’s mobile chipsets to handle sensitive data securely in hardware. It manages operations like passcode protection, device encryption, and Face ID in isolation from the main processor.
This separation provides strong protection even if the kernel is compromised. The Secure Enclave has its own encrypted memory and hardware-based entropy generator.
Android Hardware Security Lacking
In contrast, Android devices do not have an equivalent hardware-based secure environment. Most rely solely on the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) implemented in software.
The TEE provides some protection but is more vulnerable compared to Apple’s dedicated Secure Enclave chip.
The Secure Enclave gives iOS a hardware-level security advantage for storing sensitive data like biometrics and encryption keys.
Secure Boot Chain
iOS Secure Boot
iOS utilizes a secure boot chain that ensures only trusted Apple-signed code can be loaded during the boot process.
This prevents adversaries from modifying the kernel or other low-level components with malware. The integrity of the whole boot process up to the operating system is cryptographically verified.
Android Verified Boot Weaker
Android uses a verified boot mechanism to detect tampering, but protections are weaker compared to iOS. Protections only extend to the bootloader and kernel.
The system partition containing the OS is not verified in most cases allowing for possible tampering. Chain of trust protections throughout the boot process are also not as strictly enforced.
iOS has a more robust, end-to-end secure boot process preventing tampering with low-level system components.
Sandboxing
iOS Sandboxing since 2011
Apple has utilized sandboxing technology since iOS 4 to isolate apps from each other and sensitive user data. This contains damage if an app becomes compromised.
Third-party apps only have access to limited resources in their sandbox and must request additional entitlements. This reduces their ability to access files or hardware without user permission.
Android Sandboxing Weaknesses
Android does sandbox third-party apps similar to iOS. However, researchers have uncovered weaknesses that allow determined hackers to escape out of sandboxes.
Some system files and resources are also left unprotected offering targets for malicious apps. The effectiveness of app sandboxing on Android still lags behind iOS.
The iOS sandboxing model has proven robust over years in the field, limiting app access to private data.
Which is More Secure Overall?
Based on these security comparisons, iOS appears to have the edge currently over Android. Apple’s tighter control over apps distributed on the platform results in less malware infiltration. The hardware-based security of the Secure Enclave provides strong protection for encrypted data. iOS also leverages advanced security technologies like sandboxing and secure boot more effectively than Android.
However, Android security is improving with each new release. Google is addressing key weaknesses and adopting features similar to Apple’s to enhance the OS. The gap between the two platforms has narrowed compared to a few years ago.
In summary, iPhones tend to be the most secure choice for average consumers today who don’t tweak settings or install risky apps. But for advanced users who understand security best practices, Android can be hardened to an acceptable level through configuration adjustments. The choice ultimately depends on your personal threat model and how much time you devote to managing device security.
