In a bold move to counter rising cyber threats, Meta’s WhatsApp has launched an advanced security mode, offering high-risk users such as journalists, activists, and public figures powerful defenses against hackers.
The feature, called “Strict Account Settings,” prioritizes user safety, even if it limits some app functionalities, marking a significant step in digital security.
According to WhatsApp, the new option, rolling out from Tuesday, can be activated with a single click in the app’s settings. Once enabled, it blocks media and attachments from unknown senders, disables link previews, and silences calls from unfamiliar contacts. Each of these has been identified as a potential entry point for surveillance and sophisticated cyberattacks.
While all WhatsApp conversations are already protected with end-to-end encryption, the company acknowledged that some users may require extreme safeguards against rare but advanced digital threats.
Meta joins a growing list of U.S. tech giants offering enhanced protection. In 2022, Apple launched “Lockdown Mode” for iPhone and macOS, providing extreme safeguards for a limited group of users.
Alphabet’s Android followed last year with “Advanced Protection Mode,” restricting certain app downloads and features for heightened security.
Experts have praised WhatsApp’s move. John Scott-Railton, a researcher at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, called it “a very welcome development,” highlighting that it will help protect dissidents and activists while encouraging other tech firms to strengthen their security measures.
The rollout of Strict Account Settings signals WhatsApp’s commitment to balancing user experience with maximum protection in an era of growing cyber threats.
