I have written about the difference between Apple iOS cyber security and Android OS security before. In my opinion, Apple has the edge for a variety of reasons:
- Apple control both the hardware and operating system
- Apple exercises control over its App Store to reduce the cyber security threat and risk
- Security patches and updates are applied to the current devices and to older models when the threat is serious
- Apple supports its devices for longer than most vendors who produce Android based devices.
But Android is catching up…
Recently Google has taken a number of steps to improve the cyber security of Android devices:
A good week for Android devices | Smart Thinking Solutions
The latest move is one that Apple devices have had for a while – resetting the phones if they are left idle for a period of time.
Android phones will soon reboot themselves after sitting unused for 3 days – Ars Technica
Improvements to the cyber security of Android devices is a good thing – however not all Android devices are equal. Devices produced by Google and Samsung are likely to get these updates in a timely fashion but the experience with other vendors will vary. Also most Android phones are only supported by the vendors for three years – again some flagship devices from Google and Samsung may get longer support periods.
Your Takeaway
Have you thought about the cyber security of Android devices that your team may be using as part of your BYOD policy? If not you should – this primer will give you the basics of the problems and the solutions:
If you need help – then why not get in contact, you can get a 30 minute Teams meeting for free to discuss any cyber security concerns you may have. It is better to call before you have cyber security incident…
Just one more thing…
Here is an example of an Android hack from today’s tech news:
Russian army targeted by new Android malware hidden in mapping app – BleepingComputer
Clive Catton MSc (Cyber Security) – by-line and other articles
