Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a new security feature called Strict Account Settings, which the company says is designed to offer stronger protections for users facing heightened digital risks. Described by WhatsApp as a “lockdown-style” option, the feature bundles multiple restrictive safety settings into a single toggle and is expected to roll out globally over the coming weeks.
Much like Apple’s Lockdown Mode and Google’s Advanced Protection Mode, WhatsApp now offers a high-security option designed to restrict interactions from unknown contacts for users at risk of targeted cyber attacks.
How To Turn It On
Individuals who get the update can activate the feature by going to Settings, selecting Privacy, and then choosing Advanced. There, they will find Strict Account Settings as a single toggle. Switching it on enforces all restrictions simultaneously.
Meta has announced that the new Strict Account Settings are designed for users like journalists, activists, and public figures, although the feature will be accessible to all users. WhatsApp stated that it considers encryption alone might not always be adequate in rare but sophisticated threat situations.
“But we also know that a few of our users may need extreme safeguards,” the company said, referring to what it called “highly-sophisticated cyber attacks.”
Automatically applies the most restrictive security settings across the account
Blocks media files and attachments from unknown contacts by default
Disables link previews to reduce potential surveillance or tracking risks
Silences calls from unknown numbers, though they remain visible in call logs
Targets features commonly exploited by advanced spyware and hacking tools
Out-of-band security features like this are becoming more common as platforms respond to concerns about digital surveillance and targeted hacking. WhatsApp claims that Strict Account Settings is part of its broader effort to protect users without changing the default experience for everyone.