WhatsApp has introduced a new security feature called Strict Account Settings designed to protect high-profile individuals like journalists and public figures from sophisticated cyberattacks. This lockdown-style mode allows at-risk users to strengthen their privacy by automatically blocking media from unknown senders and silencing calls from unidentified contacts.
The communication service, which is owned by Meta, announced that these enhancements are specifically tailored to defend against rare and highly targeted digital threats. By navigating to the advanced options within the privacy menu, users will soon be able to activate this feature to add a heavy layer of defense to their accounts. When enabled, the setting imposes limitations on how the application functions to ensure that potential entry points for hackers are minimized.
This move follows a long history of security updates for the platform, which has utilized end-to-end encryption for its messaging services for over a decade. In more recent years, the company expanded these protections to include cloud-based backups to ensure that user data remains private even when stored off the device. The new lockdown mode serves as an extension of these existing tools, providing a simplified way for people to secure themselves against the modern landscape of mercenary spyware.
In addition to the new strict settings, the application already offers a variety of security measures such as two-factor authentication, passkeys, and the ability to hide IP addresses during calls. Users also have the option to disable link previews to prevent potential tracking or malicious redirects. The goal of the latest update is to bundle these types of protections into a single, easily accessible toggle for those who believe they are being monitored or targeted.
Industry experts have compared this new feature to the lockdown modes found on major mobile operating systems, noting that it provides a necessary response to the rise of professional hacking groups. Because the platform has nearly three billion users, it remains a primary target for actors looking to compromise sensitive information. By creating a more restrictive environment for the app, the company aims to raise the barrier for attackers without making the service difficult to use for the average person.
The rollout of these updates is expected to occur over the next several weeks across the global user base. As digital threats become more complex, the messaging service continues to emphasize that while these settings may limit some convenience, they are vital for those operating in high-pressure or public-facing roles. This proactive approach highlights the ongoing arms race between secure communication platforms and those attempting to exploit them for surveillance.
Source: WhatsApp Boosts Account Security Protections For At Risk Individuals