Apple’s iOS mobile operating system is overall more secure against hackers and other online threats than its main rival, Google’s Android, according to research from Symantec -- as reported by "The Telegraph" (http://macte.ch/59JzC).

iOS is more resistant to three out of five types of threats, including malware and data loss, Symantec said. On the other two categories, web-based attacks and social engineering attacks, the two operating systems came out even, according to the security software company.

The security features of Apple’s software, which powers the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, are also better implemented than those of Android, according to Symantec . Measures including access control, encryption and the provenance of applications are all stronger in iOS, the research found. However, Symantec said Android is better at isolating security problems when they do emerge.