TLDR: Computers get more viruses because they are open and flexible, while phones are built with stricter limits and app store checks. Phones are safer, but not immune — so updates and careful use still matter.
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Computers are more open, phones are more locked down
One big reason computers get hit by viruses more often is freedom.
On a PC, you can download and install almost anything from almost anywhere. That freedom is useful, but it also gives attackers many ways in.
Phones, on the other hand, are locked down. Apps usually come only from the App Store or Google Play, and each app is boxed in, like kept in its own container, so it cannot easily interfere with the rest of the system.
How things have changed over time
Windows was designed way before the internet was a big deal. Early versions didn’t really focus on safety, and that left the door open for attacks.
Phones, on the other hand, were designed later. Android and iOS started with better security features right out of the box.
Hackers targeting computers
Hackers usually go where the money is. Work PCs often hold sensitive data and don’t always have the best protection, which makes them prime targets for ransomware.
Phones are more locked down, meaning the system limits what apps can do, so they are harder to break into directly.
Old software adds more risk
Windows tries to support older programs, even on new systems. That’s convenient, but it also opens up more ways for attacks.
Phones don’t do that as much, they prioritize security over running old apps.
Phone apps use sandboxing which makes a difference
Most phone apps run inside a "sandbox". That means they are confined to a small space where they can only access their own files and limited parts of the system. Think of it like kids playing in separate sandboxes, where they cannot throw sand into each other’s box. This design makes it harder for a malicious app to take over the whole device.
Phones also take the permission approach. Apps need your approval to use stuff like the camera or contacts, and they run in their own little sandbox so they can’t mess with the rest of the system.
App stores act as gatekeepers
Another factor is the way apps are distributed.
On desktops, people get software from websites, torrents, or USB drives. On phones, most apps are reviewed and signed before being allowed into official stores.
Google also runs Play Protect, which can scan and remove harmful apps. This system is not perfect, but it filters out many threats before they spread widely.
Despite this, smartphones are not immune
It is important to remember that phones are not invincible. Mobile malware does exist, including spyware, banking trojans, and adware.
Harmful apps sometimes slip through official stores, and phishing attacks can target both phones and computers.
So while phones may get fewer classic "viruses", they still face threats that users should not ignore.
The bigger picture
A good way to picture it is to compare an old house with many doors to a modern apartment block.
The old house (a PC) has lots of ways in and out, and not all doors are locked. The apartment block (a smartphone) has one main entrance with security guards.
Break-ins are still possible, but there are fewer easy paths.
Simple tips to stay safer
- Keep your system and apps updated, since updates patch known weaknesses.
- On computers, avoid shady downloads and risky actions like opening unknown email attachments, since those can hide harmful code.
- On phones, stick to official app stores and check app permissions before installing.
- Back up important files, so you can recover quickly if something goes wrong.
At the end of the day...
Computers get more viruses mainly because they are more open and have a long history of attacks. Phones look safer because they are designed with restrictions, sandboxing, and app store controls. Both are getting better, but it is always a trade-off between control and safety. No device is completely safe, so a bit of caution and regular updates are needed.
Source: Reddit