IPhone users are more likely to be victims of online scams and less likely to practice safe online habits compared to Android users, according to new research from the Malwarebytes cybersecurity company.
The survey, published on Thursday, questioned 1,300 adults in the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany and Switzerland and highlighted a coherent model of online behavior in iPhone owners.
Why it matters
These survey results question the longtime perception that Apple devices are intrinsically safer, revealing a disturbing trend for millions of iPhone users in the United States and worldwide.
As cyberrencies and scams are becoming more and more sophisticated, consumers and businesses must recognize that the choice of the device does not guarantee immunity against online risks.
Moritz Scholz / Getty Images
What to know
The Malwarebytes survey revealed that 53% of iPhone users were victims of an online scam, compared to 48% of Android users. The study also revealed that iPhone owners are more likely to trust the integrated security of their device, potentially leading to less careful behavior.
“The iPhone continues to dominate market shares in the United States, and with this popularity is accompanied by targeting,” said Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9inning podcasts Nowsweek. “Scams are everywhere – false USPs or toll texts to these suspect messages” Hey “. They all want one thing: for you to answer.”
The risk -taking behavior was also higher in iPhone users: 47% said they bought from unknown sources at the best price, compared to 40% of Android users. In addition, 41% of iPhone users admitted having sent a direct message to a seller or a company on social networks requesting discounts, unlike 33% of Android users.
Only 21% of iPhone users said they used mobile security software, compared to 29% of Android users. Likewise, 35% of iPhone owners said they used unique passwords for each online account, while 41% of Android users did the same.
“The iPhone is the most used smartphone worldwide, and it is naive to think that individuals who commit cybercrimes would not work constantly to find bypass to take advantage of the owners,” said Alex Benee, an instructor of financial literacy for the University of Tennessee in Martin, said Alex Benee, in financial literacy for the University of Tennesee Benee, in financial literacy for the University of Tennessee in Martin, said Alex Benee Nowsweek.
“Except indicates directly via Apple, do not click on the links or do not respond to the messages claiming to come from the company. And in case of doubt, contact the company directly, and not the number that sent you a link.”
Researchers have stressed that iPhone users can be rocked in a false feeling of security by the reputation of the device. About 55% of iPhone users expressed their confidence in their phone safety to keep them safe, which was slightly higher than the 50% rate among Android users. This confidence could discourage the adoption of additional safety tools or best practices.
“Too many iPhone users are based on the reputation of the security of the aircraft without taking basic measures to protect themselves, leaving them vulnerable to today’s realistic scams and to silent threats like infosteralists,” said Michael Sherwood, vice-president of product at Malwarebytes, in a press release.
“We can no longer rest on our laurels, no matter how we choose to travel, banish or discuss. Cybercriminals know that mobile devices are a fruitful gateway to scams and threats. We must be aware and skeptical about everything, text messages and research results with attachments and links.”
On its website, Apple encourages users to never share personal information or passwords and to consider using two factors for more security.
“If you are wary of an unexpected message, a call or a request for personal information, such as your email address, your phone number, your password, your security code or your money, it is safer to assume that it is a scam – contact this company directly if you need it,” said Apple on its website.
Google encourages Android users to obtain the latest Android updates for your device, delete unreliable applications and perform a safety check.
Google also says on its help site: “To help delete harmful software from your device, you may want to reset your Android device with factory settings. To learn more about how to delete harmful software from your device, contact your device manufacturer.”
What people say
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9inning podcast, said Nowsweek:: “These scams often succeed because they attack the emergency and confidence, especially when someone expects a package. A single answer or download can allow malicious software to pass the stitches.
Alex Benee, instructor of financial literacy for the University of Tennessee in Martin, said Nowsweek:: “For decades, Apple has the advantage over competitors in the digital virus space, because their devices have acquired a good reputation to be less sensitive to malicious software. This same reputation, unfortunately, has led some to believe that devices as iPhone are safer of these attacks and, consequently, some users are more likely to click on the links they receive by supposing that Apple has fully protected their apparatus.
What happens next
The Malwarebytes survey indicates an urgent need for improved online education and online awareness, especially among iPhone users.
Thompson said all phone users should not respond to SMS from unknown shippers.
“If you expect a package, go directly to the carrier’s website, do not click on the link,” said Thompson. “The same goes for emails. Navigate directly to the site, not via a message. A click can be the difference between secure and compromise.”
