I see a lot of Apple fans make unsubstantiated claims that Apple's restrictions on its ecosystem is effective in stopping spam, malware, scams, etc... I have yet to see any data to back this up.
What kind of data are you looking for? Static analysis and Apple-signed binaries tied to developer profiles prevent the vast majority of abuses.
For example, it’s possible to modify the Mach-O link loader on a compiled app like DoorDash to use a fake Apple Pay API that steals credit card numbers. But it’s very difficult to get that scammy app installed on an unsuspecting victim’s device. And it’s impossible to upload to the App Store. Third party App Store? No problem.
> Apple-signed binaries tied to developer profiles prevent the vast majority of abuses.
More unsubstantiated claims
> Third party App Store? No problem.
Nonsense.
Giving people choice does not mean opening the floodgates to malware. You can disable sideloading apps by default, but also enable them upon explicit user request. You can call it a "I'm a responsible adult" button.
You don't need walled gardens for this. A sensible safe default with a pathway to disabling it is sufficient.
You can't restrict choice for everyone just because a couple of tech-illiterate folks might make bad choices. It's silly and soon also illegal.
I just gave you a fairly straightforward and realistic method of malware injection into an app. Signed binaries prevent me from re-uploading the malware. What is unsubstantiated here?
And despite repeated claims of the loud and ignorant, you can side load to an iPhone without jail break. it does require a mere $100 a year and handful of terminal commands, but possible if you’re determined.
I’m willing to belabor your last point: the floodgates can open if all the restrictions are relaxed. One very dangerous system call[0] stands between Webkit and your choice of any browser engine. It’s not clear to me on a technical level if allowing that freedom to exploit by one app prevents any app from exploiting.
> I just gave you a fairly straightforward and realistic method of malware injection into an app. Signed binaries prevent me from re-uploading the malware. What is unsubstantiated here?
You have not demonstrated that this is a serious and widespread problem. People have been sideloading for years without getting overrun with malware.
I don’t believe you’re arguing in good faith because you ignore my responses and keep repeating the same demands for data. Is there any data in the universe that could wobble your staunch view a little bit? What would that data look like? I digress.
I use both platforms daily. I’ve been working on smartphones since they’ve existed. I live and breathe them. Android has some great upsides, but security is definitely not one of them. Six years ago at a previous employer we had cardboard boxes full of completely bricked android phones from the Triada Trojan.[0]
I have never seen anything like that on an iPhone. I can’t even recall witnessing a bricked iPhone (sans hw failure), but I won’t deny the possibility.
