The Illusion of Security
Apple iPhones have a reputation for being secure, but this reputation is not entirely justified. While the iOS operating system is closed off, making it less vulnerable to certain types of attacks, it also presents other risks to users.
The Rise of Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks have become a significant concern for iPhone users. According to the Lookout Annual Threat Landscape Report, 26% of iOS devices were targeted with phishing attacks in 2024, compared to 12% of Android users.
Why Phishing Attacks are More Frequent Against iPhone Users
So, why do phishing attacks seem to be more frequent against iPhone users? Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, suggests that this is because the Apple App Store is more secure than Android.
“Malicious and Trojan apps are usually spotted by App Store security so, therefore threat actors have to rely on phishing attacks to bypass app malware protection,”
“It also means that it does not matter which operating system the victims are using or even what device they use,”
“Phishing attacks use social engineering, which relies on tricking people rather than getting past technical controls.”
The Increasing Trend
The latest iOS figures follow a trend over the last year. In Q3 2024, the report showed that iOS devices were targeted in 18.4% of phishing attacks, with Android devices at just 11.4%. This trend is expected to continue, with phishing attacks becoming more frequent.
Other Risks to Mobile Security
- Malicious apps on enterprise devices: 427,000 malicious apps were discovered, including infostealers, spyware, and adware.
- Trojan malware: The most common type of mobile malware, accounting for the majority of malware discoveries.
- Surveillanceware: A growing concern, particularly on Android devices.
- Adware: Malicious software that displays unwanted ads.
The Importance of Phishing Awareness
With iPhone users targeted more frequently, it’s essential to be aware of phishing attacks and how to prevent them.
Preventing Phishing Attacks
To reduce the risk landscape, users must be cautious with links, even in trusted apps such as messages or emails.
| Recommendations | Actions |
|---|---|
| Verify all links | Use a link checker tool to ensure the link is safe and genuine. |
| Be cautious of suspicious links | Use a secure browser to scan the link for malware. |
| Use two-factor authentication | Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. |
The Role of Organizations in Mobile Security
Organizations themselves can play a crucial role in preventing phishing attacks. Moore advises deploying mobile security tools that detect phishing across all channels.
Conclusion
While iPhone users may think their device is more secure, the reality is that they are more vulnerable to phishing attacks.
