WhatsApp has begun beta testing a new feature that allows users to activate the highest-level privacy and security measures for their accounts with a single click. This feature, previously announced as being in development, combines the app’s most stringent security measures under a single switch.

WhatsApp Launches New Security Feature

This new option is designed for users seeking stronger protection against potential cyberattacks. Enabling strict security settings eliminates the need for users to manually adjust multiple settings, and the highest security configurations are applied instantly. This makes WhatsApp’s advanced security accessible to everyone, including users less tech-savvy.

At the heart of these strict security settings is a comprehensive set of protections designed to limit interaction with unknown or suspicious senders. Media and attachments from unknown senders are automatically blocked, preventing the downloading of photos, videos, documents, and voice memos.

Link previews are also disabled, preventing the potential leak of device information through shared links. Calls from unknown numbers are silenced by default. This measure both reduces interruptions and reduces the risk of zero-click attacks or fraud that could exploit device vulnerabilities without user interaction.

Furthermore, group invitations are restricted to only contacts saved in the user’s contact list. This reduces the risk of users being added to spam groups and maintains control over their communication environment.

With strict security settings enabled, the app always alerts the user if a contact’s end-to-end encryption code changes. These alerts ensure users are communicating with the right person and confirm that the account has not been compromised.

With strict account security settings, two-step verification is required by default. This provides additional protection against unauthorized attempts to re-register the number or take over the account.