WhatsApp Introduces New Protection Feature to Guard Users Against Hacking

New Delhi: WhatsApp has launched a new feature to increase the security of its users. Its name is “Strict Account Settings.” The company says that this feature will be especially helpful for those people who are at high risk of hacking or espionage.

What is the new feature?

This is a kind of advanced security mode, which the user can turn on in just one click. As soon as you turn it on, WhatsApp automatically applies some strict security settings.

What benefit will users get from this?

After this feature is enabled:

• Photos and files coming from unknown numbers will be automatically blocked.
• Preview of link sent in chat will not be visible
• Calls coming from numbers that are not saved in the phone will be muted

The company believes that malware, viruses or spying tools often reach the phone through these routes.

For whom is this feature more important?

WhatsApp has said that chats of ordinary users are already end-to-end encrypted, but there are some people who need “additional security”.
Like:

• Journalist
• Social worker
• Leader
• Business leaders
• Or people who have a public profile

These people are more at risk of cyber attacks.

What did cyber experts say on this?

Researchers related to digital security have called this feature a good step. He says that this will provide relief to those people who live in constant fear of hacking or surveillance.

Have other tech companies also done this?

WhatsApp has become the third big tech company to do so.

• Apple has already introduced a feature called “Lockdown Mode”, in which many things like attachments, link previews, and calls are banned.
• Google (Android) also launched “Advanced Protection Mode” last year, in which things like downloading apps from outside are banned.

Where can you find this feature?

Users can turn on “Strict Account Settings” by going to Settings of WhatsApp. After activating it, all the security settings will be applied automatically.