This is nothing new: Android smartphones are less secure than iPhones. Apple confirms this in its last report and calls into question one particular practice: sideloading.
We’ve been talking about it for a long time, and the ax has finally fallen: Android smartphones are far less secure than those running on iOS. Not surprisingly, this is the result of Apple’s last thirty page report.
Admittedly, the Apple brand is not too impartial in determining who is the best between Android and iOS. But the California manufacturer puts on the table a strong argument justifying this imbalance in security between the two operating systems.
Android is less secure than iOS
Apple is not idle in October. In Thai Company The iPhone has released a key thirty-one page statement “Build an ecosystem of trust for millions of applications.” We can at least say that the brand does not please its direct competition.
From the beginning of his statement, he makes a dangerous decision: “Android smartphones are the most common targets of mobile malware and have recently experienced 15 to 47 times more malware infections than iPhones.” This is not very satisfactory for Samsung, Google and other Xiaomi smartphones.
Fortunately, the California manufacturer did not simply attack its competitors for free, it used the opportunity to point out the culprit of these security flaws: “The study found that 98% of mobile malware targets Android devices. This phenomenon is closely linked to page loading.”, Thus raising the mark.
So, a question arises: what is this popular sideloading, which puts our Android smartphones at risk and how to avoid it?
What is Sideloading?
Usually, when you download a processor, the official store is: Google Play, Amazon Apps or Galaxy Store. But that’s not the only way to install an app on your phone. This can be done sideways.
Behind this critical period, hides a very simple explanation: Sideloading is the process of transferring a file between two devices, for example from your computer to your smartphone.
What does this have to do with applications? Instead of downloading an application directly from the official store, you will receive the .apk file, then transfer it to your computer and then install it. A workout outside of traditional rounds.
What is the use of sideloading?
At this point, you may be asking yourself a question: If you can download a processor from Google Play, why do it with your computer? Let us first remember that this is an illegal act. If there is sideloading, it’s because it’s useful for some: getting paid applications that are usually paid for, taking advantage of advance updates, modifying the configuration of some applications, or getting their hands on a processor that does not exist. Not yet available in France.
That being said, apart from the illegal criteria, sideloading seems like paradise. But since nothing is perfect, it comes at a cost: much less secure smartphones.
Less risks to sideloading
The big problem with sideloading on Android smartphones is that when you download and install apps outside of the traditional circuit, they do not comply with the security protocol requested by Google Play or other stores. So by not complying with this regulation, they may have multiple security vulnerabilities.
But that’s not all. In addition to negligence-related failures, these processors from external sources may have been created by malicious individuals with only one goal: to infiltrate your smartphone. By installing such an app, you open the doors wide for them. As you can understand, sideloading is far from a good idea.
But why are iPhones not vulnerable to such dangers? Quite simply, iOS does not allow such a procedure at all. The only way to download an app is to go through the App Store. On the Android page, there is one more caveat: to allow sideloading, you need to go to your phone’s settings to check the box that allows you to install applications from external sources. If we can give you some advice: don’t check it out!
proof’s: PhoneTroid, iPhoneSoft, Creating a reliable ecosystem for millions of applications, Samsung
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.