WHATSAPP is rolling out an “extreme” security mode to protect VIPs – but regular texters can turn it on too.
It’s called “Strict Account” mode, which turns WhatsApp into an ultra-secure version of its usual self.
This means that certain features will be “locked down” to protect you from danger.
The idea is that some WhatsApp users will be targets of seriously skilled and motivated hackers who want to break into their texts.
And for those people, it’s worth removing some of WhatsApp’s functionality for the safest possible experience.
“At WhatsApp, we think you should be able to have a private conversation online, just like you would in-person,” Meta-owned WhatsApp explained.
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“We will always defend that right to privacy for everyone, starting with default end-to-end encryption.
“But we also know that a few of our users – like journalists or public-facing figures – may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly-sophisticated cyber attacks.”
WhatsApp says that if you turn it on, you’ll experience a number of changes.
For a start, all attachments and media will be blocked unless they come from someone in your contacts.
Link previews will be turned off, and a feature that blocks high volumes of unknown account messages (in a spam-style attack) is turned on.
Two-step verification will be turned on for your account, and security notifications will also be turned on and locked.
You’ll also find that end-to-end encrypted texting back-ups are encouraged if you have back-ups available.
Several parts of your profile will be locked just to contacts, or to a pre-established list of people that you’ve selected.
That includes your Last Seen and Online, Profile photo, About details, and links on your profile.
As well as that, only known contacts or people you’ve selected can add you to a list.
WHATSAPP STRICT ACCOUNT – WHAT DOES IT DO?
Here’s the official breakdown from WhatsApp on how it works…
Account security: Two-step verification is turned on. Security notifications are turned on and locked. End-to-end encrypted backups are encouraged for users with backups enabled.
Messaging and media: Link previews are turned off. Blocking high volumes of unknown account messages is turned on.
Profile and presence: Your Last seen and online, Profile photo, About details, and links on your profile are locked to contacts only or to your pre-established, more-selective list of people.
Groups: Only known contacts or a pre-established, more-selective list of people can add you to groups.
Picture Credit: Meta / WhatsApp
To turn it on, you’ll need to go into Settings > Privacy > Advanced and then activate Strict Account settings.
Note that it might not appear right way, as WhatsApp says that it’s “rolling out gradually over the coming weeks”.
Make sure that you’ve updated your app to the latest version to better your chances of seeing the new feature.
WhatsApp also warned that you can’t turn Strict Account settings on or off from WhatsApp Web. You need to make the changes on your main device.
Of course, while anyone can turn it on, most people won’t need to.
“This is a set of extreme protections and should only be used if you believe you are at risk of a cyber attack,” WhatsApp warned.
It added: “This feature is built for the very few users who may be the target of such attacks.
“Therefore, you should only turn this on if you think you may be a target of a sophisticated cyber campaign.
“Most people are not targeted by such attacks.”
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