WhatsApp Introduces ‘Strict Account Settings’ to Enhance User Security
In response to growing concerns over user privacy and security, WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature named Strict Account Settings. This optional security enhancement is designed to provide users with a more robust defense against potential cyber threats by implementing a series of protective measures.
Key Features of Strict Account Settings:
1. Automatic Blocking of Media and Attachments: Messages containing media or attachments from unknown senders are automatically blocked, reducing the risk of malicious content infiltrating user devices.
2. Silencing Calls from Unknown Numbers: Incoming calls from numbers not saved in the user’s contacts are silenced, preventing unsolicited or potentially harmful calls.
3. Disabling Link Previews: To mitigate the risk of phishing attacks, link previews are turned off, ensuring that users do not inadvertently access malicious websites.
4. Enhanced Message Filtering: The setting to block a high number of unknown messages is activated, minimizing the chances of spam or unwanted communications.
5. Mandatory Two-Step Verification: Upon enabling Strict Account Settings, two-step verification is automatically turned on, adding an extra layer of security to the account.
6. Security Notifications: Users receive alerts when the security code of a contact changes, helping to identify potential security breaches.
7. Privacy Restrictions on Profile Information: Access to the user’s last seen status, online presence, profile photo, and about details is limited to contacts only, safeguarding personal information from strangers.
8. Controlled Group Additions: Only contacts, or pre-selected individuals from the user’s contacts, can add the user to groups, preventing unwanted group additions.
Implementation and Accessibility:
To activate Strict Account Settings, users can navigate to Settings > Privacy > Advanced within the WhatsApp application. It’s important to note that this setting can only be modified from the primary device and is not accessible through companion platforms like WhatsApp Web or Windows.
Target Audience:
While this feature is available to all users, it is particularly beneficial for individuals who are at a higher risk of cyberattacks, such as journalists and public figures. By enabling these settings, users can significantly reduce their vulnerability to unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
Contextual Background:
The introduction of Strict Account Settings comes shortly after Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, faced a lawsuit alleging false privacy claims related to the chat app. The lawsuit accuses Meta of storing, analyzing, and accessing users’ purportedly private communications. In response, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart dismissed the claims, labeling the lawsuit as no-merit and headline-seeking.
Conclusion:
WhatsApp’s rollout of Strict Account Settings underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing user security and privacy. By offering this optional, lockdown-style feature, WhatsApp aims to empower users to take control of their account security, thereby fostering a safer communication environment.
