In a bid to offer users stronger protection against hackers, Meta-owned WhatsApp on Tuesday unveiled a new high-security mode for users called ‘Strict Account Settings’. To access it, users just need to switch it on and get the extra safeguards. WhatsApp is the latest big tech firm to announce such settings. Earlier, Apple and Google had offered similar defences for users in exchange for a more restrictive app experience.
As part of the new mode, WhatsApp has introduced measures including blocking media and attachments from unknown senders. Additionally, link previews are disabled. These thumbnails are usually visible when a web address is shared in a chat. Calls from unknown numbers are also silenced.
These enhanced measures come as security experts have warned that these are potential vectors for surveillance and advanced hackers.
In a blog post, WhatsApp said that while all its users’ conversations were protected by end-to-end encryption, “we also know that a few of our users – like journalists or public-facing figures – may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks.”
In 2022, Apple had introduced a similar feature called ‘Lockdown Mode’. The company labelled it an optional and extreme level of protection and said that it was built for a small number of users at risk from advanced digital attacks.
Available on iPhone and macOS, it limits message attachments, blocks link previews and restricts FaceTime calls and web browsing. Last year, Alphabet’s Android followed suit, launching Advanced Protection Mode for users.
Like Apple’s Lockdown Mode, Alphabet’s tougher security setting trades convenience for safety. It reduces some everyday functions to lower risk. This includes stopping users from downloading apps that could be harmful if installed from outside the company’s official Play Store.
WhatsApp users can turn on Strict Account Settings through the menu. The feature is being rolled out gradually over the coming weeks. It can be found by opening Settings, then Privacy and selecting Advanced to activate the additional security protections.
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