A lockdown-style option aims to harden accounts against highly sophisticated cyber attacks.
WhatsApp is introducing Strict Account Settings, a lockdown-style option designed to harden user accounts against highly sophisticated cyber attacks.
WhatsApp said the feature is intended for people who may be targets of rare, sophisticated attacks, including journalists and public figures, and that it builds on the app’s default end-to-end encryption for personal messages and calls.
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The company said Strict Account Settings locks an account to the most restrictive options, automatically blocking attachments and media from unknown senders, silencing calls from unknown numbers, and restricting other settings that may limit app functionality.
WhatsApp said the feature will roll out in the coming weeks and can be enabled from Settings, then Privacy, then Advanced. The company said users can learn more about Strict Account Settings on WhatsApp’s site.
The Recap
- WhatsApp is adding Strict Account Settings for enhanced account protection.
- Automatically blocks attachments and media from unknown senders.
- Feature will roll out in the coming weeks.
