WhatsApp has announced a new optional security feature aimed at users who face a higher risk of targeted cyberattacks. The mode, called Strict Account Settings, adds an extra layer of protection by limiting how unknown contacts can interact with an account.
The move places WhatsApp alongside other major tech platforms that now offer “lockdown-style” security options for people who value protection over convenience.
What Is Strict Account Settings?
Strict Account Settings is a one-click security toggle found in WhatsApp’s settings. Once enabled, it activates multiple defensive measures at once, reducing the chances of malicious content reaching a user.
According to WhatsApp, the feature is designed for rare but serious threats, such as spyware campaigns and advanced surveillance attacks.
Key Protections Enabled
When turned on, Strict Account Settings will:
- Block media and file attachments from unknown senders
- Disable link previews, preventing potentially malicious thumbnails from loading
- Silence calls from unknown contacts, stopping harassment and attack attempts before they start
These interaction points have previously been used by attackers as entry vectors, especially in highly targeted hacking campaigns.
Why WhatsApp Built This Feature
All WhatsApp messages are already protected by end-to-end encryption, but encryption alone doesn’t stop every type of attack. Social engineering, spyware delivery, and zero-click exploits often rely on user interaction with calls, links, or attachments.
WhatsApp says the new mode is meant for users such as journalists, activists, and public figures who may be targeted precisely because of their work or visibility.
Part of a Bigger Industry Shift
WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta Platforms, is now the third major tech firm to offer this kind of enhanced protection.
Similar options already exist across other ecosystems:
- Apple Lockdown Mode (introduced in 2022) limits message attachments, link previews, FaceTime calls, and certain web features on iPhone and macOS.
- Android Advanced Protection Mode, launched by Google, restricts risky app installs and tightens account security for users with elevated threat awareness.
All of these features follow the same philosophy: less functionality in exchange for stronger security.
Who Should Enable It?
Strict Account Settings won’t be necessary for most everyday users. It’s intentionally restrictive and may make WhatsApp feel less flexible.
However, it can be a valuable safeguard for:
- Journalists and media workers
- Human rights activists and dissidents
- Political figures and public officials
- Anyone who believes they may be targeted by advanced cyber threats
Security researchers have welcomed the move. John Scott-Railton of The Citizen Lab described the feature as an important step toward better protecting civil society and encouraging other companies to raise their security standards.
Security vs. Convenience
The introduction of Strict Account Settings reflects a broader change in how tech companies think about safety. Instead of assuming one size fits all, platforms are now offering graduated security options, letting users decide how much risk they’re willing to accept.
For WhatsApp, this update signals a clear message: while the app is built for easy communication, it can also become a hardened tool for those who need maximum protection.
As digital threats grow more sophisticated, features like this may soon become standard—not exceptional—across major platforms.
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