WhatsApp has announced the rollout of Strict Account Settings. The new feature is designed to provide stronger protection against rare but highly sophisticated cyber attacks and is aimed especially at users such as journalists activists and public figures.
Strict Account Settings work as a lockdown style security mode that automatically applies the most restrictive privacy and safety controls with just a few taps. When enabled the feature blocks attachments and media from unknown senders silences calls from people not in a user’s contacts and limits certain app functions that could be exploited during targeted attacks.
The setting can be activated by going to WhatsApp Settings then Privacy and then Advanced. The feature will roll out gradually over the coming weeks.
WhatsApp continues to provide end to end encryption by default for personal messages and calls. Strict Account Settings add an extra layer of defense for users who may face higher risk scenarios and need enhanced account protection beyond standard security features.
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