https://blog.whatsapp.com/whatsapps-latest-privacy-protection-strict-account-settings
Meta announced it is adding Strict Account Settings on WhatsApp to secure certain users against sophisticated cyber attacks, functioning similarly to Apple’s Lockdown Mode and Android’s Advanced Protection by trading functionality for enhanced security. The lockdown-style security feature aims to protect individuals such as journalists and public-facing figures from advanced spyware by automatically locking accounts to the most restrictive settings, including blocking attachments and media from people not in a user’s contacts, silencing calls from unknown numbers, and restricting other settings that may limit application functionality. The feature can be enabled by navigating to Settings, Privacy, and Advanced sections, with Meta confirming it will roll out gradually over the coming weeks to targeted high-risk users.
The social media giant highlighted that WhatsApp has implemented additional behind-the-scenes protections including Control Flow Integrity, hardened memory allocators, safer buffer handling APIs, and other defensive measures as part of an ongoing defense-in-depth approach. These technical enhancements complement the Strict Account Settings feature to provide layered protection against sophisticated threat actors who may target high-value individuals with commercial spyware or zero-day exploits. The dual announcement represents Meta’s recognition that certain WhatsApp users face heightened security risks because of their profession, public profile, or access to sensitive information requiring extraordinary protective measures beyond standard account security.