WhatsApp has begun offering users an advanced security mode, joining a growing number of US tech firms that are letting users opt into stronger protections against hackers in exchange for a more restrictive experience.
The new option, rolling out on Tuesday and called “Strict Account Settings”, is a one-click button in WhatsApp’s settings that activates a series of defences.
These include blocking media and attachments from unknown senders, disabling link previews — the thumbnails that appear when a URL is entered into a chat — and silencing calls from unknown contacts. All three have been identified as potential vectors for surveillance and advanced hackers.
In a blog post, WhatsApp said that while all its users’ conversations were protected by end-to-end encryption, “we also know that a few of our users – like journalists or public-facing figures – may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks”.
WhatsApp owner Meta Platforms is the third major tech firm to offer a security boost for high-risk users.
In 2022, Apple launched “Lockdown Mode”, which it describes as “an optional, extreme protection” designed for the “very few individuals” who might be targeted by advanced digital threats. Available on iPhone and macOS, the feature disables most message attachment types and link previews and includes restrictions on FaceTime calls and web browsing.
‘Very welcome development’
Last year, Google’s Android began offering “Advanced Protection Mode” for users with “heightened security awareness”.
Like “Lockdown Mode”, Google’s more secure option trades some functionality for enhanced security, including restricting users from downloading potentially risky apps from outside its in-house Play app store.
A researcher who helps defend civil society figures from hacking said WhatsApp’s announcement was “a very welcome development”.
Read: WhatsApp agrees to greater transparency for SA users
The feature will help protect dissidents and activists while encouraging other tech firms to up their game, said John Scott-Railton, who works at The Citizen Lab, a research group based at the University of Toronto. “My hope is that others follow suit.”
Hendrik de Bruin, head of security consulting in Southern Africa for Check Point Software Technologies, said messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram use end-to-end encryption, meaning that messages are not just encrypted in transit but an encrypted inbox to inbox.
“Only the sender and receivers can read messages,” De Bruin said. “This addresses privacy of data but not all security. Malicious files, unwanted messages, and spam and scam messages can still be sent as long as you know a user’s registered phone number. Also, certain user data can be exposed: profile photos, usernames, phone number and status by provider.
“What Meta is addressing is protecting user information through stricter account settings. These new account settings are further protections from potential outside threats.” — Raphael Satter, (c) 2026 Reuters, with additional reporting (c) 2026 NewsCentral Media
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