Strict Account Settings is a newly introduced lockdown-style security mode that lets users instantly apply the most restrictive privacy and protection settings available on whatsapp — helping guard accounts against sophisticated cyberattacks and spyware threats.
1. 🛡️ Lockdown‑Style Security in One Tap
With Strict Account Settings, whatsapp bundles multiple strong protections into a single toggle. Instead of adjusting various privacy options one by one, enabling this mode automatically locks your account into the strictest security configuration available.
2. 📵 Blocks media & Attachments from Unknown Contacts
Once activated:
WhatsApp blocks all attachments and media (photos, videos, documents) from people not in your contacts.
This helps prevent malicious files from reaching your device.
3. 📞 Silences Calls from Unknown Numbers
Calls from numbers that aren’t saved in your phone are automatically silenced — a useful defense against voice‑based phishing or intrusion attempts.
4. 🔗 Disables Link Previews
URL preview thumbnails (which often fetch metadata from links) are turned off in this mode, lowering the risk of phishing or external site tracking via conversation snippets.
5. 🔐 Tightens Existing Security Tools
In Strict Account Settings:
Two‑step verification is turned on and locked.
Security notifications (alerts like encryption key changes) are enabled.
These become part of your default setup while the mode is active.
6. 👤 Profiles & Presence Restricted
Visibility of your:
Last seen
Online status
Profile photo
About info
is restricted to contacts only, reducing exposure to unknown or potentially hostile numbers.
7. 👥 Group Privacy Strengthened
Only people in your contact list (or specific approved people) can add you to whatsapp groups — a guard against spam group invites.
8. ⚠️ Who Is This Feature For?
WhatsApp says this setting is especially beneficial for users at high risk of targeted cyberattacks — like journalists, activists, public figures or anyone concerned about sophisticated spyware threats.
However, any whatsapp user can enable it, even if you’re not considered high‑risk.
9. 📍 How to Turn It On
To enable Strict Account Settings:
Open WhatsApp
Go to Settings
Tap Privacy
Select Advanced
Turn on Strict Account Settings
⚠️ Note: You can only activate or disable this from your main device — not from whatsapp Web or desktop apps.
10. 📅 Rollout & Availability
This feature is rolling out gradually over the coming weeks to users on both Android and iOS, so it may not appear immediately in your app until the update reaches your region.
📌 Bottom Line
Strict Account Settings gives users a fast way to harden their whatsapp accounts by automatically applying top‑tier privacy and security controls — trading some convenience for significantly enhanced protection against advanced threats.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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