Meta-owned WhatsApp has unveiled a new security feature called Strict Account Settings, designed to offer enhanced protection against hacking, surveillance, and sophisticated cyberattacks. The new option provides users with a one-tap advanced security mode, placing WhatsApp alongside other major tech platforms offering opt-in high-security protections.
Rolling out globally, Strict Account Settings can be enabled directly from WhatsApp’s settings menu. You can enable Strict Account Settings – which is rolling out gradually over the coming weeks – by going to Settings > Privacy > Advanced. Once activated, it automatically applies multiple security defenses aimed at reducing common attack vectors used by cybercriminals and advanced threat actors.
What Is WhatsApp Strict Account Settings?
The new feature introduces a bundle of protections, including:
Blocking media and attachments from unknown senders, reducing the risk of malicious files
Disabling link previews, which can be exploited for surveillance or phishing attacks
Silencing calls from unknown contacts, a known method used in targeted hacking attempts
WhatsApp noted that while all conversations are already protected with end-to-end encryption, certain users—such as journalists, activists, public figures, and dissidents—face higher risks and may require stronger safeguards.
WhatsApp Joins Industry-Wide Push for Advanced Security
The move mirrors similar initiatives from other US tech giants. In 2022, Apple introduced Lockdown Mode for iPhone and macOS, offering extreme security by limiting message attachments, link previews, FaceTime calls, and web browsing features. More recently, Google rolled out Advanced Protection Mode on Android, which restricts risky app downloads and enhances account security for high-risk users.
Like these features, WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings trade convenience for safety, prioritising protection over full functionality.
With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, WhatsApp’s new advanced account protection feature reinforces its commitment to user privacy and positions the platform as a stronger choice for secure messaging in high-risk environments.
