More enterprises are investing in mobile applications on platforms preferably iOS. The 2016 enterprise mobile apps report brought out by Adobe reinforces the growing need for enterprises to invest in mobile apps.
With Apple constituting a major share of the world smartphone market, iOS tend to be the most preferred platform in enterprise app development.
Fig 1. Apple iPhone global sales from 2007 to 2018, Source – Statista
As illustrated in the above-mentioned graph, Apple’s global iPhone sales continue to skyrocket behind leading mobile communications conglomerates.
The continued popularity and dependability of Apple’s lineup of smartphones have made it the preferred choice for enterprises in ensuring business productivity. iOS as a mobile platform has always been on the forefront in terms of robustness and security.
But the thing is, there are stronger competitors in the current market competing directly with iOS. Google-owned Android have fared remarkably well in the mobile market largely due to its swift integration with Google’s extensive services, flexibility, and support.
So, security in enterprise app design will iOS dominate or does Android edges it out with its open platform?
Security: The Priority in Enterprise Applications
Globally, security has always occupied a key position in enterprises due to the stringent norms related to data and communications. Any flaws in security can compromise the whole set of confidential data handled by a company.
The impact of such security breaches in a company is disastrous. It can lead to huge financial losses, lose or corrupt sensitive data and even damage the company’s reputation.
The data handled by a company not only involves their own information but those of their customers as well. For example, a bank that uses mobile applications must have exceptional security features as they are used to process, store and transfer sensitive data of thousands of their customers such as bank account details.
Enterprise application security is important because:
- Safeguards sensitive data and ensures information privacy
- Upholds the company’s reputation by shielding it from cyber attacks
Addressing Security Vulnerabilities in iOS and Android
According to Norton, the global cybersecurity provider, both iOS and Android face an array of security threats and vulnerabilities. The two mobile platforms still suffer from some form of vulnerability in spite of their recent upgrades and improvements.
So far, iOS still has 1457 vulnerabilities as per the report published in the security vulnerability assessment database CVE Details. Android scales higher with about 1834 discovered security vulnerabilities as mentioned in the report.
When evaluating the reports, it becomes clear that iOS has fewer vulnerabilities compared to Android. Moreover, in 2018, the amount of vulnerabilities discovered in iOS has reduced considerably with only 86 compared to 387 vulnerabilities in 2017.
Fig 2. Vulnerabilities in iOS and Android platforms, Source – CVE Details
Apple’s swift implementation of the latest updates and bug fixes across the platform have resolved many of these vulnerabilities largely. Android, however, fails to curb the vulnerabilities with 301 vulnerabilities still affecting the platform in 2018.
Android and iOS from the Standpoint of Security
Applications developed for the enterprise differ from those made for the consumers. An enterprise application whether iOS or Android is built for assisting in various business processes. As an additional feature, enterprise applications are embedded with certain security features that protect the data and prevents it from misuse.
App developers have included several key security considerations while building applications for enterprises. The use of strong encryption, certificate underpinning and shifting to a cloud model are some of the techniques used to improve application security.
Threat Levels
Android being open source is especially vulnerable to such malware as it allows running of third-party applications. Reports state that 97 percent of the malware is on the Android platform. Clearly, the increasing security vulnerabilities in Android mean that it is inapt for use in the enterprise.
Because it supports third-party applications, it is always riskier to use android for business. iOS offers some level of protection against malware and other threats because of its closed source nature. A software development company can work with iOS to build apps having clearly defined security measures for enterprises.
Even though iOS still has numerous security vulnerabilities, it is easier to lessen their risk through upgrades. Moreover, iOS being closed source do not support third-party applications, which ratifies the security it provides for enterprise applications.
Device Fragmentation
Device fragmentation is one key feature that determines the level of security offered in a platform’s application. Higher fragmentation will result in increased risk of a data breach.
In case of Android, the fragmentation is higher as it contains numerous OS versions making it more vulnerable to data breaches. iOS has a lower fragmentation because it has limited OS versions and devices making it more secure.
Software Security
Both iOS and Android take security a crucial priority. As a part of this, both the platforms roll out frequent updates to enhance the protection of the device from new forms of threats. iOS periodically releases updates that are to be installed mandatorily on the device.
Android also releases new updates to improve the functionality and security of its OS. But, this is not mandatory as the users can determine whether to update their devices. Leaving out the updates can make the device and applications vulnerable to various threats.
Enterprise Management Needs: How iOS and Android Compare?
In terms of managing various operations related to enterprise, both iOS and Android have a set of features and functionalities inbuilt. This will help mobile device management to assist enterprises to drive more security and efficiency in their operations.
With iOS, it provides:
1) BYOD compatible because of better mobile device management tools.
2) Easy centralized administration to control all connected iOS devices.
3) Improved customer experience that drives efficiency and growth.
In the case of Android, mobile device management fails to accomplish that level of flexibility as offered by iOS. Since different manufacturers utilize mobile device management variedly, it prevents a centralized administration of devices, which is the prerequisite of enterprise mobility.
iOS Sets the Standard in Enterprise App Design
Clearly, the odds of enterprise mobile application usage is slanting towards the iOS platform. According to the Annual Apple Trends Survey conducted by Jamf, Apple’s iOS platform has witnessed immense growth in the enterprise sector. The report details that 91 percent of the enterprises rely on Apple’s devices for fulfilling their operations.
iOS is built with a focus on security because it is a closed sourced platform. The security features of iOS can serve enterprise needs by offering full protection for data and communications. Moreover, with iOS, it is easier to deploy a centralized administration of the devices utilized by the employees within an organization.
Android too, being open to several vulnerabilities, has the potential to evolve into a dependable enterprise platform. The immense developments in Android are hinting at a shift in the current market dominion of the enterprise sector. But for now, Apple’s iOS leads in security and sets the standard in enterprise app design and development.
Author Bio:
Vinod has conceptualized and delivered niche mobility products that cater to various domains including logistics, media & non-profits. He leads, mentors & coaches a team of Project Coordinators & Analysts at Fingent.
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