But on Android’s side, security experts point out that the closed, proprietary iOS architecture has some drawbacks, such as when an iOS device is “jailbroken,” its security shield is basically broken. Android’s inherent openness and flexibility, something missing from iOS, is making it attractive as a platform for organizations considering customization of security the way they want it.
“You can build more security for Android,” notes Tom Kellermann, vice president of cybersecurity at Trend Micro, who points out Android’s open API model is conducive for that. But he notes that for now, at least, Google Android is also viewed as more vulnerable. In a study that Trend Micro did of security of the three mobile platforms iOS, Android and RIM BlackBerry, BlackBerry actually came out on top in that, he points out.