WhatsApp has a secret feature, protect users from foreign threats

WhatsApp, an instant messaging application used by millions of users around the world, has just launched a new security feature called “Strict Account Settings”. This feature comes as part of a global update released in recent days and is aimed at protecting users at high risk against cyberattacks.

This feature is particularly aimed at groups such as journalists, political activists and public figures who are often targets of sophisticated hacking. This update was made after Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, faced a lawsuit regarding privacy issues on the instant messaging platform.

According to the official explanation from WhatsApp, activating this feature will put the user’s account into maximum restriction mode. This mechanism aims to limit how applications work in crucial aspects in order to close security gaps that can be exploited by irresponsible parties.

“At WhatsApp, we think you should be able to have private conversations online, just as you would in person. But we also know that a small percentage of our users may need extreme protection against rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks,” wrote WhatsApp in its official blog.

Some of the main restrictions implemented in this feature include:

• Automatic blocking of file attachments as well as photo and video media from senders who are not registered in the user’s contacts.
• Calls from unknown numbers will be automatically muted to prevent interference and potential tracking.
• The link previews feature is disabled to mitigate the risk of executing malicious code via URLs.
• The new security system will also enable settings to automatically block bulk messages from foreign senders.

Additionally, two-step verification will be on from the start as an additional layer of security when users log in to an account. Users will also receive security notifications if the interlocutor’s security code changes, which is a potential indicator of eavesdropping or device transfer.

Security interventions are also applied in depth to user profile visibility. Information such as “Last Seen”, online status, profile photo and “About” details will be locked and can only be accessed by your saved contact list.

From a technical perspective, WhatsApp confirms that they have implemented the Rust programming language behind the scenes in their operational system. The use of Rust aims to increase memory security to protect user photos, videos and messages from technical vulnerabilities that are often exploited by spyware.

This feature is optional because it reduces the convenience of using the application for higher security standards. Strict Account Settings will be rolled out in stages to all global users over the next few weeks.

For users who want to activate this extra protection feature, they can access the privacy settings menu in the application. Access to the feature is available in the Settings > Privacy > Advanced option (Settings > Privacy > Advanced).