Apple iOS and Google Android are the most widely used mobile operating systems in today's smart phones and are considered to safer than a traditional Desktop operating system. Due to the increasing popularity the privacy features provided are not enough to maintain a certain security level. According to a recent research conducted by Symantec about the security of Google Android and Apple's iOS, Symantec gave a green card to Apple iOS being more secure than Google Android. The research was conducted keeping in mind to examine the core security architecture & determining their strengths & weaknesses of both platforms.
Below is the summary of analysis of the two platforms:
Apple iOS
Advantages:
- Better Access Control & Encryption
- Control Policies using password with more options such as automatic data wipe after a certain number of failed password attempts.
- App Store more secure due to certification and control.
- Sandboxing to isolate applications.
Disadvantages:
- Built-in hardware encryption increases the changes of a Hacker getting control of your device.
- Apps can perform a wide range on actions which can raise potential privacy flags.
Android
Advantages:
- Better Application Isolation
- No built-in hardware encryption in Android 2.2 & 2.3. However, the tablet OS, Android 3.0, do have an option but is turned off by default.
- Sandboxing to isolate applications.
- Apps are blocked from accessing most of the system services unless a user explicitly grants permission after checking the list of permissions shown while installing an app.
Disadvantages:
- Control Policies using password but no advanced options.
- Android Market is more prone to Malware due to its openness.
For an in-depth, technical evaluation view this 23 Page "White Paper" (PDF INFO) released by Symantec.
No comments:
Post a Comment