BOSTON—As crooks begin to zero in on mobile devices, consumers using lower-end phones are at greater risk of attack, a new report indicates.
As CUToday.info reported, malware attacks on smartphones are increasing.
Strategy Analytics reported that devices running the Android operating system account for about 88% of the global market, with iPhones representing almost all of the remaining 12%.
“But not all Android devices are created equal, either: Models that are made and controlled directly by Google, like Nexus and Pixel smartphones, have significantly stronger protection against hacking than devices made by manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, Sony, and Xiaomi. They are also much more expensive, about on par with iPhones. As a result, wealthier users who can afford to purchase new high-end devices every few years are protected from many threats that the majority of users-who use cheaper or used models, and don't replace them as often-are vulnerable to,” stated Slate in its analysis.
The data also reveals that low- and middle-income people around the world who mostly rely on affordable Android devices to communicate are the most vulnerable to fraud and identity theft, Slate noted.
“Cheaper phones often leave users more vulnerable to online threats and hacking,” Slate stated.