Anti-virus maker McAfee has released a report saying that iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch were pretty much unaffected by the growing mobile malware attacks facing platforms like Google's Android. Jailbroken iOS devices were slightly more vulnerable, having had to deal with 4 variants of the same attack, but still far less than the 44 affecting Android (a 76% increase.)
The difference seems largely explained by how Apple runs their platform -- as a closed, closely inspected garden that makes it far more difficult for malicious apps to make it into the App Store and through to consumers. Google, meanwhile, has a far more open ecosystem that allows far more types of apps in the Market, including some that ought not be allowed.
In other words, if you live in the Apple bubble, it might be a bit stuffy but you won't get rained on. Depending on how much you value mobile security, that might be a tradeoff you're willing to make.
Note: Anti-virus companies no doubt would love to get more heavily into the mobile market, so read any reports they put out in that context.
[Electronista
