The popular messaging app WhatsApp is developing a new security feature called “Strict Account Mode,” designed to more strongly protect users’ accounts against cyber threats and fraud attempts.

WhatsApp Enhances User Security

Designed specifically for users who believe they are at risk of cyberattacks or who require increased security, this feature allows users to bulk enable various privacy and security settings in a single step. This feature was discovered in beta versions 2.25.33.4 for Android and 25.33.10.70 for iOS.

This new WhatsApp security suite includes a number of significant improvements aimed at preventing malicious content from reaching devices. When Strict Account Mode is enabled, photos, videos, documents, and voice messages from unsaved numbers will not be automatically downloaded.

This restriction protects users from malicious files or attachments containing malicious code. Chats are also restricted to plain text messages, significantly preventing the spread of risky content from unknown accounts.

Security measures are not limited to messaging alone. The new mode also introduces the option to disable link previews. Normally, when a link is shared, WhatsApp would contact external sites to generate a preview.

This new feature, which stops external communication, prevents users’ IP addresses from being leaked to third-party sites and prevents malicious actors from accessing device information solely through a link share.

Another important feature introduced by the mode is the option to mute unknown callers. This feature automatically silences all calls from numbers not saved in the user’s contact list, protecting the user from spam or potential scams. These calls will still appear in the call history and can be reviewed at any time.