WhatsApp has announced a new security feature designed to give users stronger protection against online threats. The feature is called Strict Account Settings, and it is aimed at people who may face higher risks, such as journalists and public figures. However, any user who wants extra security can choose to turn it on.
WhatsApp has always focused on privacy. The app already uses end-to-end encryption by default, which means only the sender and receiver can read messages. Not even WhatsApp itself can see them. With Strict Account Settings, the company is taking this protection a step further.
When this new setting is enabled, WhatsApp locks the most restrictive settings. This reduces the chances of hackers or spyware gaining access to your account. For example, attachments and media files from people who are not in your contacts will be blocked. This helps prevent harmful files from being sent to your phone by unknown users.
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The goal is to protect accounts from rare but very sophisticated cyber attacks that normal security settings may not fully stop.
The feature is currently being rolled out, so not everyone will see it right away. Once it becomes available, users can turn it on by going to Settings > Privacy > Advanced inside the WhatsApp app. Strict Account Settings shows WhatsApp’s continued effort to keep conversations private and secure.
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The platform has also rolled out a programming language called Rust behind the scenes to help keep users’ photos, videos, and messages safe from things like spyware, so you can share and chat with confidence.
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