New security warning: Over 1 billion phones at risk

A new report has just raised alarms for smartphone users around the world — over one billion phones are now vulnerable to security threats. While headlines might suggest that Apple iPhones face twice as many phishing attacks as Androids, there’s more to the story.

According to the report by Lookout, while iPhones are indeed seeing more phishing attempts, they’re still safer overall than Android phones. That’s because the top five most dangerous malware types currently affect only Android devices. The rise in iPhone phishing attacks is mainly due to targeted scams and smarter baiting tactics.

But here’s the bigger concern: outdated operating systems. The report warns that more than a billion devices are running old software, making them an easy target for both known and unknown hacks. This issue hits Android users harder, since there are about three times more Android devices in use than iPhones. However, outdated iPhones can actually be more vulnerable than older Androids, according to Lookout.

Another report from Zimperium highlights that 14% of Android devices in businesses can’t even be updated, leaving them exposed to risks. In comparison, only 1% of iPhones in enterprises face this issue, though the overall number of devices that can't be updated is similar on both platforms.

The Lookout report also warns about dangerous types of mobile malware like spyware, surveillanceware, trojans, and root enablers. These threats can track locations, steal data, eavesdrop on conversations, and even take control of phone cameras, posing serious risks to users and organizations alike.

To make matters worse, this week U.S., U.K., and other intelligence agencies issued a joint alert about rising spyware attacks on both iPhones and Androids, mostly originating from China.

Bottom line:

No phone is 100% safe. Keeping your device updated and staying alert for phishing attempts is the best way to protect yourself.