WhatsApp Testing New ‘Strict Account Settings’ to Protect Users from Cyberattacks: Report
WhatsApp is reportedly developing a powerful new privacy tool called ‘ Strict Account Settings ’, designed to safeguard users against rising cyber threats and targeted attacks. The feature, currently spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android (2.25.33.4), aims to give users a simple, one-tap way to lock down their accounts and enhance protection from hackers, spammers, and malicious actors.
A Step Toward Stronger Privacy
The new Strict Account Settings mode will work like a lockdown system for WhatsApp accounts, automatically enabling a series of advanced security measures. It’s built especially for users who may be vulnerable to targeted cyberattacks, though anyone can benefit from it once available. The goal is to reduce the need for manually tweaking multiple privacy options instead, users can apply all major security layers with a single switch.
What the Feature Will Do
When activated, this mode will reportedly route all calls through WhatsApp’s servers to hide users’ IP addresses and prevent potential tracking. It will also block media, files, and attachments from unknown senders, stopping the automatic download of suspicious content that may contain malware or phishing links. Communication with such accounts will be limited to text-only messages, reducing exposure to potential risks.
WhatsApp also plans to disable link previews in chats under this mode, a move that prevents the app from connecting to external websites a common way for attackers to access IP data or track users. In addition, the feature will mute calls from unsaved numbers, restrict group chat invites to known contacts, and limit profile visibility (like photo, status, and last seen) to saved numbers only.
Building a Safer Chat Environment
To further strengthen user security, two-step verification will be automatically enabled, adding a PIN-based authentication layer to block unauthorized access or account hijacking attempts. Users will also receive security notifications if a contact’s encryption code changes, allowing them to verify the authenticity of conversations.
Still in Development
While the feature is not yet available for testing, its presence in beta code suggests that WhatsApp is preparing for a rollout soon possibly first in Europe, where privacy laws are strict and regulators have been urging big tech companies to improve transparency and user protection.
The Strict Account Settings feature represents WhatsApp’s continued push toward privacy-first communication, giving users more control, stronger safeguards, and peace of mind against modern digital threats. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, this could be one of WhatsApp’s most important security updates yet.
A Step Toward Stronger Privacy
The new Strict Account Settings mode will work like a lockdown system for WhatsApp accounts, automatically enabling a series of advanced security measures. It’s built especially for users who may be vulnerable to targeted cyberattacks, though anyone can benefit from it once available. The goal is to reduce the need for manually tweaking multiple privacy options instead, users can apply all major security layers with a single switch.
What the Feature Will Do
When activated, this mode will reportedly route all calls through WhatsApp’s servers to hide users’ IP addresses and prevent potential tracking. It will also block media, files, and attachments from unknown senders, stopping the automatic download of suspicious content that may contain malware or phishing links. Communication with such accounts will be limited to text-only messages, reducing exposure to potential risks.
WhatsApp also plans to disable link previews in chats under this mode, a move that prevents the app from connecting to external websites a common way for attackers to access IP data or track users. In addition, the feature will mute calls from unsaved numbers, restrict group chat invites to known contacts, and limit profile visibility (like photo, status, and last seen) to saved numbers only.
Building a Safer Chat Environment
To further strengthen user security, two-step verification will be automatically enabled, adding a PIN-based authentication layer to block unauthorized access or account hijacking attempts. Users will also receive security notifications if a contact’s encryption code changes, allowing them to verify the authenticity of conversations.
Still in Development
While the feature is not yet available for testing, its presence in beta code suggests that WhatsApp is preparing for a rollout soon possibly first in Europe, where privacy laws are strict and regulators have been urging big tech companies to improve transparency and user protection.
The Strict Account Settings feature represents WhatsApp’s continued push toward privacy-first communication, giving users more control, stronger safeguards, and peace of mind against modern digital threats. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, this could be one of WhatsApp’s most important security updates yet.
Next Story