WhatsApp New Security Feature: Meta’s WhatsApp messaging service is offering users an advanced security mode. It joins a growing number of US tech companies offering users better protection against hackers with slightly limited features.
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WhatsApp New Security Feature: Meta’s WhatsApp messaging service is offering users an advanced security mode. It joins a growing number of US-based tech companies offering users enhanced security against hackers with slightly limited features.
Starting Tuesday, this new feature, called “Strict Account Settings,” will be a one-click button in WhatsApp’s settings that, upon turning on, will automatically activate several safety features.
These include blocking photos, videos, and files from unknown numbers, disabling link previews (thumbnails that appear when a URL is entered into a chat), and silencing calls from unknown numbers. All three have been identified as potential avenues for surveillance and hacking.
In a blog post, WhatsApp stated that while all its users’ conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption, “we also know that some of our users—like journalists or public figures—may need enhanced security measures to protect against rare and sophisticated cyberattacks.”
Meta Platforms is the third major tech company to offer enhanced security measures for high-risk users.
In 2022, Apple launched “Lockdown Mode,” which the company describes as “an optional but very robust security feature” designed for the “very few people” who may be targeted by advanced digital threats. Available on iPhone and macOS, this feature disables most message attachments and link previews and includes restrictions on FaceTime calls and web browsing.
Last year, Alphabet Inc.’s Android company introduced “Advanced Protection Mode,” a feature for users who are more proactive about their online safety.
Like “Lockdown Mode,” Alphabet’s more secure option reduces some features for better security. This includes preventing users from downloading potentially dangerous apps from outside the Google Play Store.
A researcher who helps civil society protect individuals from hacking said WhatsApp’s announcement was “a very good step.”
John Scott-Railton, who works at The Citizen Lab, a research group at the University of Toronto, said the feature will help protect dissidents and social activists and will also inspire other tech companies to improve their standards.
“I hope other companies will take similar steps,” he said.
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