WhatsApp introduces lockdown-style powerful feature, offers high-level protection from hacking and cyber attacks

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The world’s most popular instant messaging app WhatsApp has introduced a powerful new security feature to further strengthen user safety. Named “Strict Account Settings,” the company describes it as a lockdown-style protection feature designed to shield users from hacking attempts and cyber attacks. This advanced security layer is especially useful for journalists, public figures, and high-profile users, who are often targeted by cybercriminals.

Unknown numbers and links will be restricted

Once the Strict Account Settings feature is enabled, WhatsApp’s security shifts to its highest level. While this slightly limits some app functions, it significantly enhances overall protection. After activation, photos, videos, and attachments sent from unknown numbers will be automatically blocked. In addition, link previews and thumbnails in chats will no longer be visible, and calls from unknown users will be silenced automatically. These measures are designed to protect users from suspicious activity and malicious content.

Meta follows Apple and Google

In the United States, Meta has become the third major tech company to introduce such strong protection for high-risk users. Earlier, Apple launched its Lockdown Mode in 2022, while Google’s parent company Alphabet introduced Advanced Protection Mode for Android users. In a recent blog post, WhatsApp stated that it firmly believes in protecting the right to privacy and that this feature is a crucial step toward defending users against the most complex cyber threats.

Feature must be activated from privacy settings

Users will need to manually enable this feature to use it. To activate it, they must go to WhatsApp Settings, select the Privacy section, and then turn it on from the Advanced Options menu. According to the company, this feature will be rolled out globally to all users over the next few weeks.