WhatsApp has rolled out a new high-security feature designed to protect users facing sophisticated cyber threats, making it the third major tech platform to offer an opt-in “lockdown” style protection.
The new feature, called Strict Account Settings, is being introduced globally and can be activated with a single tap in WhatsApp’s settings. Once enabled, it applies a series of enhanced safeguards aimed at reducing exposure to hacking, surveillance and targeted digital attacks.
Among the protections are automatic blocking of media files and attachments from unknown senders, disabling of link previews that generate thumbnails when URLs are shared, and silencing calls from contacts not already saved by the user. All three features have previously been identified by cybersecurity experts as common entry points for spyware and advanced hacking tools.
WhatsApp says that while all conversations on the platform are already protected by end-to-end encryption, the new setting is intended for users who may face elevated risks, including journalists, activists, dissidents and other public-facing individuals who could be targets of highly sophisticated attacks.
The move places WhatsApp alongside other major technology companies that have introduced similar protections in recent years. Apple launched its Lockdown Mode in 2022 for iPhone and Mac users, offering extreme security at the cost of reduced functionality. Google followed last year with Advanced Protection Mode on Android, restricting certain downloads and features to minimize exposure to malicious software.
Like those options, WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings trades convenience for safety, limiting certain features in exchange for stronger defenses. Security researchers say such tools are increasingly necessary as digital surveillance and hacking techniques become more advanced and accessible.
Cybersecurity experts welcomed the announcement, noting that the feature could offer meaningful protection for vulnerable users while setting a new standard for the industry. They say the move could also pressure other tech companies to introduce similar safeguards as threats to digital privacy continue to grow.
WhatsApp’s latest update reflects a broader shift among major platforms toward giving users more control over their digital security — especially those who may need protection beyond standard consumer settings.