A new report from security analysts at Lookout suggests that iOS devices are more vulnerable to phishing attacks than Android devices. According to the latest Mobile Threat Landscape Report for the third quarter of 2024, 18.4 percent of iOS devices were targeted by phishing attempts compared to 11.4 percent of Android devices. Data-focused cloud security company Lookout based its findings on data from an AI-powered mobile dataset that analyzed 220 million devices, 360 million apps, and billions of web items. Their security cloud has identified over 473 million malicious websites, including phishing sites, since 2019. The aim of these phishing attacks is to steal sensitive information like username, password and other personal data.

What makes iOS devices more attractive to attackers? One reason for this could also be their popularity at the workplace. The report highlights that iOS devices are more common than Android devices in enterprise settings. In fact, Lookout’s user base had more than twice as many iOS devices as Android devices. This greater number of devices means more opportunities for attackers to attack.

Statistics confirm this. In 2024, 19 percent of enterprise iOS devices suffered at least one mobile phishing attack during each of the first three quarters. On the other hand, only 10.9 percent of enterprise Android devices were exposed to phishing attacks in the same period. This data suggests that the threat may be more a matter of mere numbers than of any inherent weakness in iOS.

Additionally, Lookout researchers observed a 17 percent increase in enterprise-focused credential theft and phishing attempts and a 32 percent increase in malicious app detections from the previous quarter. These findings highlight how cybercriminal groups are changing their tactics to more aggressively target mobile devices in the early stages of their attacks.

Although the report focuses on enterprise devices, regular users should not be wary. Phishing attacks have become increasingly advanced, often targeting everyday consumers through emails, messages, and even fake websites. Whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, phishing can put your personal information at risk. Experts warn that phishing will become more sophisticated as we move towards 2025. The rise of AI has enabled cybercriminals to create convincing fake messages that look almost identical to legitimate communications. The goal is always the same – to trick you into clicking a link or downloading a file that compromises your data.

Takeaway? Be alert. Be wary of emails or messages that seem urgent or unusual, even if they come from trusted sources. Always double-check links before clicking and never share personal information until you are absolutely sure it is safe.