What Are WhatsApp’s Enhanced Protection Features for High-Risk Accounts?
WhatsApp is introducing new enhanced protection features for high-risk accounts, designed to safeguard users vulnerable to hacking and targeted cyberattacks. The update, first spotted in WhatsApp’s TestFlight beta, includes a new “Strict account settings” option under Privacy > Advanced. Once activated, it automatically enables a range of extreme security measures — blocking unknown media, limiting calls and messages, and locking sensitive privacy settings to prevent tampering.
How Does the Strict Account Settings Mode Work?
When users turn on WhatsApp’s new Strict account settings, the app enforces additional privacy barriers. These include:
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Blocking all media and attachments from unknown senders.
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Restricting calls, messages, and group invites to trusted contacts only.
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Disabling link previews and limiting personal data visibility.
While these measures enhance security, WhatsApp notes that call and message quality may be slightly reduced to prioritize safety over convenience.
Who Should Enable WhatsApp’s Enhanced Protection Mode?
The enhanced protection features for high-risk accounts are primarily intended for individuals more likely to face digital threats — such as journalists, activists, government officials, or corporate executives. However, any user concerned about cybersecurity threats or unauthorized account access can enable this option for added peace of mind. WhatsApp reassures that most users won’t need this level of protection but can turn it on anytime if they suspect unusual activity.
When Will the Enhanced Protection Feature Be Available?
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is currently being tested on iOS and is expected to roll out globally in upcoming app updates. Once live, users will find the Strict account settings toggle in their privacy menu. This move reinforces WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to protecting user privacy and providing tools that adapt to rising cyber threats in 2025.
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