WhatsApp Now Has Its Own Version of Apple’s “block Mode.”
Not to be outdone by Apple’s “lockdown mode,” Meta is rolling out new security features for WhatsApp designed to protect high-risk users—such as journalists, activists, and government officials—from cyberattacks. Strict Account Settings is a “lockdown mode” that complements the platform’s existing end-to-end encryption, adding stronger privacy features and additional restrictions for unknown contacts.
For most WhatsApp users, this level of blocking is unnecessary. However, people with access to sensitive data potentially valuable to attackers have already been targeted by spyware campaigns through messaging apps like WhatsApp, so for such users, this could be a lifesaver. (Over the past year, WhatsApp has also patched numerous zero-day vulnerabilities that allowed spyware to spread.)
As noted, WhatsApp’s new settings are similar to Apple’s Lockdown Mode , an operating system-level feature that blocks attachments, link previews, and communication with unknown contacts, among other settings changes. It also disables wired connections to external devices and a number of web features. Android’s Advanced Security offers similar functionality.
How WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings Protect High-Risk Users
The Strict Account Settings feature automatically activates existing privacy and security settings and adds a series of restrictions on communication and user visibility on WhatsApp.
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Two-factor authentication and security notifications are enabled, notifying you when a contact’s security code changes.
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Link preview is disabled.
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A large number of messages from unknown accounts are blocked.
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Only your contacts or people added to a pre-created list can see information about you, including your last seen date and online status, profile photo, detailed information, and links on your profile.
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Only contacts you know or who are already in your contact list can add you to groups.
How to enable strict account settings in WhatsApp
You can enable these settings by going to Settings > Privacy > Advanced and selecting “Strict Account Settings.” You must change these settings on your primary device; they cannot be changed through the web interface. Please note that this feature will be rolling out gradually over the next few weeks and may not be available immediately.