Quick Overview
- Computers, especially older Windows ones, were not built with internet safety in mind.
- Mobile systems like iOS and Android came later and had better security built in.
- You can install pretty much anything on a computer, but that also makes it riskier.
- Mobile apps are sandboxed and need permission, so they are harder to mess with.
- App stores help catch bad apps early, unlike desktop software that can come from anywhere.
- Hackers like going after computers because they usually have more valuable stuff and weaker protection.
- Computers try to support old programs, and that adds more ways for things to go wrong.
- Both phones and computers can get tricked by phishing, but phones are usually built safer.
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Why Computer Operating Systems Have More Security Issues
Computers, especially ones running Windows, were made back when being online was not a big thing. Early versions did not really focus on security, so they were easier to attack.
Mobile systems like Android and iOS came later. By then, security had gotten better, so they just built those features in from the start.
How User Permissions Affect Security
On a computer, you can usually install whatever software you want. That freedom is nice, but it also makes it easier for bad stuff to sneak in.
On phones, it works differently. Apps need permission to access things like your camera or contacts, and they run in their own space (sandboxed), so they cannot mess with other apps or the system.
App Stores Make Mobile Devices Safer
Most phone apps come through official app stores, and those stores check for anything sketchy. That does not mean they are always safe, but it is still way better than how desktop apps work, where you can get software from anywhere.
Why Hackers Prefer Computers
Hackers usually go after stuff that has a lot of users and weaker protection. Computers, especially at work, often hold valuable data, so they are good targets for things like ransomware.
Phones are harder to break into because they have stricter controls and fewer ways for hackers to get in.
Old Software and Security Risks
Windows tries to let you run old programs, even on newer systems. That is useful, but it opens up more ways for things to go wrong.
Phones do not really work like that. They focus more on security than keeping old stuff working, which helps keep them safer.
Some Extra Thoughts
Even though phones are usually safer, both phones and computers can still fall for phishing tricks. It really depends more on how careful the person is than the device itself.
New systems like Windows 11 are a lot more secure than the older ones. But people still see Windows as kind of risky, probably because of how many problems it had before.
Conclusion
The main difference in security comes down to how these systems were made and what they were meant for.
Phones focus more on strict controls and newer tech. Computers give you more control, but that also means more ways for bad stuff to get in.
Both are getting better over time, trying to balance ease of use and safety.
Source: Reddit
Read also: Understanding How Malicious USB Devices Infect Computers