Apple should open up iOS within a year, says Kaspersky CTO

Security expert states that Apple doesn't know enough about cyber threats to protect itself or its customers

Apple cannot continue to lock down its iOS platform and restrict the types of software developed for it, says security firm Kaspersky's CTO Nikolay Grebennikov (pictured).

Speaking to Computing, he said: "Apple simply can't continue with its current closed approach, and in my opinion, to remain competitive it should be looking to open up its platform within a year."

"The Android platform, which is growing its market share, is much more open than the Apple iOS and it's easier to create new applications for Android, including security software," said Grebennikov.

He said that while Apple provides its own security software for its iOS platform, which operates the iPhone and iPad devices, Apple is not an expert in security, and is therefore potentially putting its customers at risk.

"Apple is the only protector of its iPhone and iPad users but they don't know the real situation with threats.

"It's not possible to create the products they create, and be a world leader in security too; that expertise is elsewhere."