WhatsApp has just rolled out a new feature aimed at providing users with stronger safeguards against sophisticated cyber threats. Called Strict Account Settings, this functionality is designed for individuals who need an extra layer of protection—such as journalists, public-facing figures, or anyone concerned about targeted attacks.
At its core, WhatsApp continues to offer default end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain private. Strict Account Settings builds on this by locking certain account configurations to their most restrictive options. For example, users with this setting enabled will only receive attachments or media from contacts they know, helping reduce the risk of malicious files reaching their devices.
The feature is accessible in WhatsApp’s settings under Settings >> Privacy >> Advanced and is rolling out gradually over the coming weeks.
While activating Strict Account Settings may limit some functionality, it offers greater peace of mind for users who prioritize security over convenience. Even with end-to-end encryption, users can remain vulnerable to targeted cyber attacks, such as spyware or malicious files disguised as harmless media, but Strict Account Settings by restricting interactions to known contacts and limiting certain features minimizes the attack surface for these advanced threats.
Ongoing Security Efforts
Strict Account Settings is one part of WhatsApp’s layered security approach, which also includes alerts about potentially dangerous attachments or links, protections against abuse from unofficial clients, and ongoing improvements to address emerging threats.
This feature gives users more control over how their data is shared and who can interact with them. For individuals handling sensitive information or communicating with large audiences, enabling stricter privacy controls can help prevent unintended exposure and reduce the risk of account compromise.
Learn more about it on their official blog post.
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