WhatsApp has introduced a new feature, called Hardened Account Settings, to improve the security of accounts most vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks.
When enabled, the feature adds the most possible restrictions for a WhatsApp account. It automatically blocks photos and other attachments from unknown senders, calls from unknown contacts, turns off link preview, and limits your last seen status and other profile details to only known contacts or a list of contacts you prefer. The feature also ensures that only your known contacts or a select list of contacts can add you to group chats.
Stricter account settings will be available to users in the coming weeks. You can enable it Settings > Privacy > Advanced.
WhatsApp says this is an optional feature designed primarily for a specific set of vulnerable users, such as journalists and public figures. “You should only turn this on if you think you may be the target of a sophisticated cyber campaign. Most people are not targeted by such attacks,” the company said in a support page.
Apple has rolled out similar settings for its devices with Lockdown Mode in 2022. A similar version of Android, called Advanced Protection, was first launched last year.
WhatsApp’s new security feature comes just days after a lawsuit alleges that the app’s conversations aren’t truly end-to-end encrypted. The lawsuit claims employees can request access to messages for work, and the engineering team will gladly oblige.
Recommended by our editors
Meta has denied these claims. In a statement to PCMAG, it said the claims were “patently false and absurd” and called the lawsuit “a frivolous work of fiction”.
Elsewhere, Meta confirmed that it plans to test subscriptions to some premium Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp features later this year.
Get our best stories!
Stay safe with the latest security news and updates
By clicking Sign Up, you confirm that you are 16+ years of age and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your membership has been confirmed. Watch your inbox!
About our expert
Experience
Jibeen is a tech news writer based in Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of the iGex blog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a wider audience.
Read full bio
