WhatsApp rolls out ‘Strict Account Settings’ to protect users from cyber threats

WhatsApp has launched Strict Account Settings, a new security feature that strengthens protection for high-risk users against hackers and cyberattacks.

Meta’s WhatsApp has launched a new security feature called Strict Account Settings, designed to offer stronger protection for users at higher risk of cyberattacks. The company described the feature as a “lockdown-style” option that restricts certain app functions to safeguard accounts.

How Strict Account Settings Work

WhatsApp has launched a new feature called Strict Account Settings, which provides stronger protection against cyberattacks. (REUTERS)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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The feature will roll out gradually in the coming weeks. Users can activate it with a single click in the app’s settings menu under Settings > Privacy > Advanced. Once enabled, it automatically applies the most restrictive settings and activates multiple defence measures against potential attacks.

WhatsApp has noted that, although the app already provides end-to-end encryption by default for all users, some individuals, such as journalists and public figures, may require extra protection against rare and sophisticated cyber threats. “Strict Account Settings is one of many ways we’re working to protect you from the most sophisticated cyber threats,” the company said in a blog post.

When enabled, the feature blocks media and attachments from unknown users, silences calls from unknown contacts, and disables link previews, which are small thumbnails that appear when a link is shared in a chat. These measures address known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by advanced hackers for surveillance or data theft.

WhatsApp joins other major U.S. tech companies offering high-security options for users who face higher digital risks. Apple introduced Lockdown Mode in 2022, and Google’s parent company, Alphabet, rolled out Advanced Protection Mode for Android users who require heightened security.