Currently Apple seems to be holding the lead when it comes to device security, particularly because of its rigorous app vetting, but will this recent security breach on the Android side result in some game changing security upgrades?
Android’s latest security weakness
Hackers are always looking to tap into personal smartphones, and Android is no exception. Their latest vulnerability, however, has Android users a little worried, which speaks to the lack of security features associated with the operating system. This latest virus comes in the form of a text message or multimedia file, which has the power to virtually shut down the device while hackers have a go at the contents. Experts predict that this insecurity puts nearly 95 percent of Android devices at risk, according to CNN Money.
The user doesn’t need to open the text message or file for the hacker to infiltrate their device, which makes this one of the greatest risks Android has seen. As soon as the text message gets to the device, a hacker can access the media library and be gone before the user even knows someone was there. For that reason, they’re calling the weakness Stagefright.
Does that mean Android is inferior?
Right now, it looks as if Apple is far more secure than Android when it comes to outside attacks. Apple does not, nor has it ever, had any kind of attack of this magnitude. However, those boasting rights could be their downfall. Since they have not experienced an attack of this magnitude, they may not have the necessary protection in place in the event that it does happen.
Thanks to this incredible security breach, Android developers are harder at work than ever developing a patch that will protect the phones from this attack and others that may come in the future.
Still, even though developers of Android are working to correct the problem, it doesn’t mean it will happen soon. Apple is famous for responding to security issues in a flash, but Android has a reputation for taking their time.
What’s more, some experts expect that if Android does develop a working security patch in the near future, only 50 percent of users will be able to acquire it, since Android’s system doesn’t automatically update like the iOS system does.
What users can do to protect their smartphones
The slow security updates make it vital for Android users to take security into their own hands. With the right security techniques, users can quickly get their phones up to the same level of security as Apple devices. Here are just a few ways that Android users can protect their devices from Stagefright and other unwanted visitors:
Strengthen the permission settings. Use strong, unique passwords in any apps storing sensitive data. This will protect your information from hackers, or at least slow them down.
Install highly rated security apps. There are hundreds of security apps out there meant to secure your Android device, including apps, passwords, and sensitive information.
Avoid public Wi-Fi. Try to connect only to networks that you know are secure. If you must connect to a public network, don’t deal with online banking, personal finances, or other sensitive information that could be intercepted over an unsecure network.
It seems that Apple still reigns supreme as the most secure and supported smartphone on the market, but Android users can still protect their devices from such a large security threat if they take the proper steps.
