WhatsApp announced a new security feature, Strict Account Settings, on January 27, aimed at protecting users from highly sophisticated cyberattacks, according to the company.
The feature introduced a lockdown-style mode that automatically applies the most restrictive security settings to an account.
Once enabled, WhatsApp blocked attachments and media from unknown senders, silenced calls from contacts not in the user’s address book, and restricted additional settings that could be exploited for account compromise.
WhatsApp said the feature was designed for a small group of users who may face elevated security risks, including journalists, public figures, and others who could be targeted by advanced attacks.
The company emphasized that the feature was optional and could be turned on manually.
Strict Account Settings began rolling out globally in the coming weeks. Users could enable it by navigating to Settings, then Privacy, and selecting Advanced within the app.
WhatsApp said the new mode is built on its existing security model, which includes default end-to-end encryption for personal messages and calls.
The company described the update as an additional layer for users who require stronger protections beyond standard settings.
Why This Matters Today
The launch reflected growing concern about targeted cyberattacks that aim to compromise individual accounts rather than breach platforms directly.
Journalists, activists, and public officials have increasingly reported attacks involving malicious files, spoofed contacts, or unwanted calls aimed at gaining access to private communications.
WhatsApp’s new feature addressed these risks by reducing exposure points.
Blocking unknown attachments and silencing unsolicited calls limited common attack vectors without requiring users to manage multiple settings individually.
For high-risk users, simplifying security controls reduced the chance of misconfiguration.
The move also underscored how messaging platforms are adapting to a threat environment shaped by spyware, social engineering, and targeted surveillance.
While WhatsApp already provided end-to-end encryption by default, encryption alone did not prevent account takeover attempts or device-level exploitation.
By offering a single toggle for maximum restrictions, WhatsApp aligned its approach with broader industry efforts to introduce “lockdown” modes for vulnerable users.
The company said the feature complemented its existing privacy protections rather than replacing them, signaling a shift toward more customizable security tiers within mainstream consumer apps.
Our Key Takeaways:
- WhatsApp launched Strict Account Settings to protect users from rare but sophisticated cyber attacks.
- The feature locked accounts to restrictive defaults, including blocking unknown attachments and silencing unfamiliar callers.
- The rollout highlighted increased focus on targeted security protections for high-risk users such as journalists and public figures.
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