ARTICLE AD BOX
New Delhi: WhatsApp is now offering users a more advanced security mode, by joining a growing number of US tech firms that are letting users opt into the stronger protections against hackers in exchange for a more restrictive experience. The latest option, which is rolling out and is called the Strict Account Settings, is a one-click button in WhatsApp’s settings that activates a series of defences. These also include blocking media and attachments from unknown senders, disabling link previews and thumbnails that appear when the URL is entered into the chat and silencing calls from unknown contacts.
WhatsApp has also given a statement that while all users’ conversations were protected by end-to-end encryption, they also know that a few of their users, like journalists or public-facing figures, may need extreme safeguards against rare and sophisticated cyberattacks. This feature will help protect dissidents and activists while encouraging other tech firms to up their game.
In 2022, Apple launched Lockdown Mode, which was described as an optional extreme protection designed for the very few individuals who might be targeted by advanced digital threats. This feature, which was available on iPhone and macOS, turns off most message attachment types and link previews and includes restrictions on FaceTime calls and web browsing.
English (US) ·