Renowned messaging app WhatsApp has received an optional security feature, especially for users who often face targeted and high-risk cyberattacks.
The new security feature is called Strict Account Settings, which provides an extra layer of protection by limiting how unknown contacts can interact with you.
This puts WhatsApp in competition with other major technology platforms that offer “lockdown” security options for people looking for protection rather than convenience.
What is WhatsApp Strict Account Settings feature?
Strict Account Settings is a simple one-click toggle located in WhatsApp Settings. Once activated, it activates several defensive measures at the same time to significantly reduce the possibility of malicious content reaching the user.
According to WhatsApp, this feature addresses serious threats including spyware campaigns and advanced surveillance attacks.
How can strict account settings protect you from WhatsApp scams?
Once enabled, strict account settings:
- Block media files and attachments from unknown senders.
- Disable link previews, preventing potentially harmful thumbnails from loading.
- Silencing calls from unknown contacts, stopping harassment and attack attempts before they happen.
These interaction points have already been exploited by attackers as entry vectors, notably in highly targeted hacking campaigns.
Although WhatsApp messages are already protected by end-to-end encryption, encryption alone is sometimes not enough to block all types of attacks.
Social engineering, spyware delivery, and zero-click exploits often rely on user interactions with calls, links, or attachments.
The Meta-owned platform designed this mode for professionals, including journalists, activists and public figures, who may be targeted because of their visibility or work.
