Key Takeaways:
- Meta has introduced a new feature called Strict Account Settings to protect WhatsApp users against cyber attacks
- The feature adds restrictions such as blocking media and attachments from unknown senders and silencing calls from unknown numbers
- The setting also enables two-step verification and security notifications, and restricts access to user information such as last seen, online status, and profile photo
- The feature is optional and can be enabled by going to Settings > Privacy > Advanced
- The rollout comes as Meta faces a lawsuit over alleged false claims about WhatsApp’s security protections
Introduction to Strict Account Settings
The recent rollout of a new feature by Meta, called Strict Account Settings, is a significant step towards enhancing the security and privacy of WhatsApp users. This feature is designed to protect users against cyber attacks by adding various restrictions and limitations to their accounts. With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, this feature is a welcome addition to the popular chat app. The Strict Account Settings feature is particularly useful for journalists and public figures who are often targeted by cyber attackers.
How Strict Account Settings Work
When a user enables the Strict Account Settings feature, several restrictions are automatically applied to their account. For instance, media and attachments from unknown senders are blocked, and calls from unknown numbers are silenced. Additionally, link previews are turned off, and the setting to block a high number of unknown messages is switched on. The feature also enables two-step verification, which adds an extra layer of security to the user’s account. Furthermore, security notifications are sent to the user when the code of someone they are chatting with changes, ensuring that they are aware of any potential security threats.
Restrictions and Limitations
The Strict Account Settings feature also restricts access to user information such as last seen, online status, and profile photo. These details are only visible to the user’s contacts, and not to unknown individuals. Moreover, the feature restricts who can add the user to groups, allowing only contacts or pre-selected people from the user’s contacts to do so. This feature is designed to prevent users from being added to groups without their consent, which can be a common tactic used by cyber attackers. By limiting the functionality of the user’s account, the Strict Account Settings feature reduces the risk of cyber attacks and enhances the overall security of the user’s data.
Rollout and Availability
The Strict Account Settings feature is being rolled out in the coming weeks and will be available to all WhatsApp users. To enable this feature, users need to go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced and turn on Strict account settings. It is worth noting that this setting can only be changed from the user’s primary device and not from a companion platform like WhatsApp for Web or Windows. This ensures that the user has full control over their account settings and can make changes only from their primary device.
Timing and Controversy
The rollout of the Strict Account Settings feature comes at a time when Meta is facing a lawsuit over alleged false claims about WhatsApp’s security protections. The lawsuit accuses Meta of storing, analyzing, and accessing virtually all of WhatsApp users’ communications, despite claims that the app is secure and private. WhatsApp head Will Cathcart has rejected these claims, calling it a "no-merit, headline-seeking lawsuit." The introduction of the Strict Account Settings feature is likely a response to these allegations, and an attempt by Meta to demonstrate its commitment to user security and privacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of the Strict Account Settings feature is a significant step towards enhancing the security and privacy of WhatsApp users. The feature adds various restrictions and limitations to the user’s account, reducing the risk of cyber attacks and protecting user data. While the timing of the rollout may be seen as a response to the ongoing lawsuit, the feature is a welcome addition to the app and demonstrates Meta’s commitment to user security and privacy. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is essential for companies like Meta to prioritize user security and provide features that protect users from potential threats.
