Mobile apps are a part of everyday life, not just on a personal level but increasingly in the workplace. A study by Digital Strategy Consulting found that the majority of employees use mobile applications for job-related tasks. But as our dependence on mobile apps grows, so do the risks tied to how these tools handle sensitive information.

Recent security research reveals that iOS apps are leaking user data more often than their Android counterparts, raising red flags for businesses and individuals alike. Cybersecurity firm Zimperium uncovered these findings and is urging companies to take the threat seriously before it leads to data loss, reputational harm, or worse.

Why iOS Apps Are Raising Alarm Bells

Zimperium’s research points out that over half of iOS apps examined were leaking user data. In comparison, only about a third of Android apps showed similar issues. These leaks go beyond basic user information. Hackers are using them to tap into business systems in ways that could lead to fraud, theft, or a full-scale breach.

What makes this especially concerning is how subtle and difficult these leaks can be to detect. With more businesses relying on mobile apps to manage communications, finances, and internal workflows, attackers have shifted their attention away from networks and servers and toward more accessible targets — the mobile applications themselves.

One key factor behind this growing threat is poor API security. APIs often serve as a backdoor into sensitive systems when not properly deployed or secured. These weaknesses allow attackers to sidestep traditional defenses and expose your business with minimal effort.

Malware: Another Layer to the Problem

The study didn’t stop at data leaks. Zimperium also tracked malware infections across mobile devices. What they found makes it clear this isn’t just an Android problem or a vulnerability limited to low-quality apps.

Out of every 1,000 mobile devices, three are already infected with malware. On average, one in five Android devices will encounter malware during normal use. And while iOS is often praised for its security, that reputation doesn’t mean devices are safe, especially not when half of the apps in its ecosystem are leaking user data.

The takeaway? No device or platform is completely secure without proactive steps.

What Businesses Risk When Apps Leak Data

Leaky apps don’t just affect consumers. For businesses, the consequences can be severe. Payment systems, customer records, email accounts, and internal communication platforms are often linked through company apps. If personal or company data is leaking, you might not spot it until a crisis is already unfolding.

The fallout can include compliance issues, legal exposure, public backlash, and long-term damage to customer trust. In some cases, these kinds of incidents result in substantial financial losses or operational delays.

A Smarter Approach to Mobile Security

While the numbers highlighted in the report are concerning, Zimperium also outlines some practical steps companies can take to stay ahead of these threats:

Start by reviewing every app your team uses. Popular doesn’t always mean secure, so look beyond marketing claims and verify whether an app is safe for your business environment.

Make sure your IT team or security provider is keeping a close watch on API activity. Identifying and removing unnecessary data pathways helps reduce exposure.

Encourage employees to take mobile security seriously. Provide training around privacy risks, safe app usage, and the importance of separating personal and work-related data on their devices.

Finally, consider investing in solutions designed to detect and block mobile threats early. There are tools specifically created to protect data on iOS devices and prevent the spread of malware.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis

With half of iOS apps leaking some form of user data, the risk is too high to ignore. Businesses that act now to secure their mobile environments will be in a much better position than those that wait for a breach to occur. This is one area where being proactive pays off, in stronger defenses, better outcomes, and greater peace of mind.