eli5: Why do computer operating systems have lots of viruses and phone operating systems don’t?

Question

eli5: Why do computer operating systems have lots of viruses and phone operating systems don’t?

In: 5085

Answer 1

To give another angle that I don’t think anyone has covered yet– any platform can be exploited with malware, since all software has potential vulnerabilities. Most malicious actors are financially motivated. So for them it’s a question of a) are there enough users on the platform for me to victimize and b) is there enough benefit for me to invest the time and effort doing vulnerability research and exploit development.