WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that helps users activate the strongest security protections with a single toggle. It ensures advanced safeguards are applied automatically, making account security simpler and more robust for everyone.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Story about: | Strict account settings |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | The latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS are designated as compatible updates. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp for Android 2.26.3.80: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that displays recent chat searches! |
WhatsApp is widely rolling out strict account settings
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.36.10.70 update, we announced a feature that lets users apply strict security settings to their account. This update introduces a new control that activates the highest level of protection of the app. This means that a set of extreme protections is automatically enabled to ensure a more secure experience. While it simplifies account security for everyone, it also ensures robust protection for users at higher risk of targeted attacks. Users can deactivate strict account mode at any time, although essential protections like two-step verification will remain in place.
Beta testers on Android and iOS were the first to access this feature, allowing them to immediately experience an automatic security configuration. Now, it appears that WhatsApp is testing this feature with a wider audience, as an official blog post suggests it is gradually being rolled out to more users starting today.
WhatsApp stated that right to privacy for everyone is always a top priority, starting with default end-to-end encryption. As a result, WhatsApp is now committed to providing new tools that give users greater control over their privacy and security. This is especially relevant for journalists, government officials, and other public figures who may require advanced protection against rare and extremely complex cyber attacks. Consequently, WhatsApp just launched a protective feature called Strict Account Settings, previously available to some beta testers.
This new feature allows users to quickly enable the strongest protections with a single toggle. Once Strict Account Settings are enabled, WhatsApp automatically activates the most advanced security options without requiring any additional configuration. Enabling strict account settings also locks certain options to their most restrictive levels, and it automatically blocks attachments and media from unknown contacts. Users can enable Strict Account Settings directly from their advanced privacy settings.
Strict Account Settings automatically disables link previews to prevent the IP address from being inferred by third-party websites. This option silences calls from unfamiliar numbers to prevent 0-click attacks, and it also restricts group invitations so only saved contacts can add users to groups. The feature also enforces two-step verification, it limits profile visibility to contacts only, and it routes calls through WhatsApp servers to make it harder for others to infer your location. Additionally, if a contact's encryption code changes, the app shows a security notification directly into the chat, so people involved in the conversation can notify the contact if the change was unexpected.
It's worth noting that not all users need to enable Strict Account Settings. This feature is primarily designed for those who may face a higher risk of targeted cyber attacks. For most people, WhatsApp's standard protections already provide strong security. Enabling this option is mainly recommended for those users who want extra security.
WhatsApp is also announcing the adoption of Rust, a memory-safe programming language used to enhance media handling libraries. This provides protections against malware hidden in seemingly harmless files. This approach replaces older C++ code with safer and more efficient Rust code. For deeper insights into how WhatsApp is using Rust to enhance security, users can visit the detailed article on the engineering website.
The feature that allows users to activate strict account settings is available to users who install the latest version of WhatsApp for Android and iOS directly from the official stores. This feature is currently rolling out, so it isn't available to everyone yet. Over the next few weeks, all users will be able to activate this feature, allowing them to activate the most secure settings in just one step.
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