New Delhi: WhatsApp has now reported that they are going to roll out a new layer of security for users who may be vulnerable to targeted hacking attempts. As per the reports, this feature, which is going to be called “Strict Account Settings” was spotted in the latest iOS beta version 25.33.10.70, and it is designed to offer extreme protection for accounts deemed high-risk. Found under the Privacy > Advanced, the latest settings allow users to activate a suite of automatic safeguards. According to WhatsApp, this mode is intended for individuals who believe they are at risk of cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, or public figures and may reduce the overall messaging experience in favor of tighter security.
Now, let’s discuss Strict Account Settings, which applies the following protections:
- Blocks media and attachments from unknown senders
- Silences calls from unfamiliar numbers
- Restricts group invites to known contacts only
- Disables link previews
- Enforces two-step verification
- Notifies users of encryption key changes
- Locks specific privacy settings to prevent tampering
This feature is currently being tested through TestFlight on iOS, and it is expected to roll out more broadly in the coming weeks. WhatsApp has not confirmed a release date for Android users, but similar protections are likely to follow. While most users won’t need this level of security, WhatsApp emphasises that it’s a proactive step to support those in sensitive roles or under digital threat. Users can toggle the feature on or off at any time, giving them control over their security posture.
WhatsApp has recently introduced its first standalone Apple Watch application. This latest application will make it significantly easier for Apple Watch users to manage and interact with their chats on the popular Meta-owned messaging service directly from the smartwatch without needing their iPhone. The latest software includes several enhanced features, such as the ability to record and send voice messages, receive full call notifications, view full-length messages, previews, and utilise message reactions. These updates bring WhatsApp functionality closer to parity with Apple’s native messaging application on the watch.
