WhatsApp is working on a new security feature specifically designed for users whose accounts are at higher risk. A new option has been discovered in the app's latest TestFlight version that activates additional safeguards if an account is at risk of being targeted by a cyberattack. The new feature, called "Strong Account Settings," can be found under Privacy > Advanced. This function is primarily aimed at individuals whose work or public position makes them more vulnerable to attackers - such as journalists, activists, or politicians. The goal is to increase account protection without requiring users to manually activate each individual security option.
WhatsApp has offered various security features for years, including end-to-end encryption, two-step verification, and options to restrict the visibility of personal information. These measures are sufficient for most users. However, in light of increasing targeted cyberattacks, WhatsApp wants to go a step further.
With "Strict Account Settings," the platform introduces an enhanced security profile that activates several protective features simultaneously. These measures are not intended for everyday use, but rather for situations where an account is particularly vulnerable. The new mode aims to make a compromised account significantly more difficult to attack – although this comes with certain limitations.
What the new "Strict Account Settings" offer
According to WABetaInfo, which first discovered the feature, WhatsApp will soon allow users to activate a range of so-called "extreme protection measures." Anyone who believes they are at increased risk can activate this option and thus significantly strengthen the protection of their account.
Once strict account settings are activated, WhatsApp locks certain settings and restricts some features. The messenger points out that these measures may affect the quality of messages and calls. The focus here is clearly on security, not convenience. The feature's welcome screen lists several protective measures that take effect immediately:
- Media and attachments from unknown senders are blocked to avoid the risk of harmful files.
- The privacy settings are automatically adjusted so that only selected contacts can send messages or make calls.
- Certain options are locked to prevent accidental changes during activation.
WhatsApp also points out that the activated security measures may degrade call quality.
Further details on the automatic adjustments
In addition to the points mentioned, WABetaInfo lists further security features that are activated or modified by this mode. These include:
- Muting unknown callers to block unwanted or potentially dangerous contacts.
- Restricting automatic group invitations to known contacts.
- Disabling link previews to prevent external content from loading.
- Automatic notification of changes to the encryption code to better track manipulations of end-to-end encryption.
- Activating two-step verification, if it is not already enabled.
- Restricting the visibility of personal information such as profile picture, status and "last seen" time for unknown contacts.
Most of these security options are already available individually in WhatsApp. The difference is that the new mode bundles and activates them all automatically. This means users no longer have to manually check each setting, but can activate the highest available security level with a single switch.
Who is this function intended for?
This feature is not intended for the general public. WhatsApp explicitly emphasizes that most users do not need this mode. The "Strict Account Settings" are primarily designed to help people who are particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks – for example, public figures, NGO employees, or activists in high-risk regions.
For these target groups, this mode can offer a crucial layer of protection to secure personal data and communication. At the same time, the feature highlights how much WhatsApp prioritizes security.
Current status and availability
The feature is currently in beta and only available via the iOS TestFlight version. As with many beta features, there is no firm date yet for the official rollout. WhatsApp often tests new features over an extended period to gather feedback and fix any bugs before rolling them out to all users.
It is expected that the strict account settings will later be integrated into the Android version as well. However, a precise timeline is not yet available.
WhatsApp is focusing on high-risk user groups
With "Strict Account Settings," WhatsApp is introducing a new level of security, primarily intended for high-risk accounts. By combining numerous protective features into a single mode, attacks are significantly more difficult. While this does entail certain limitations, the advantages clearly outweigh them for vulnerable users.
Even though most users probably won't need this mode, its introduction shows that WhatsApp is further expanding its security strategy and responding specifically to threat scenarios. It remains to be seen when the feature will be officially available to everyone – but the direction is clear: more control, more protection, and more security for sensitive accounts. (Image: Shutterstock / BongkarnGraphic)
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