Khaberni - WhatsApp has launched a new feature for accounts aimed at combating spyware.
The WhatsApp application, owned by Meta, offers users an advanced security setting, joining an increasing number of American technology companies that allow users to opt for stronger protection from hackers at the expense of a more restricted experience.
The new option, launched on Tuesday and called "Strict Account Settings," is a one-click button in WhatsApp settings that activates a series of defenses.
These measures include blocking media and attachments from unknown senders, disabling link previews, and muting calls from unknown contacts. These three actions were identified as potential means for surveillance and advanced cyber intrusion.
In a post on its blog, WhatsApp mentioned that while all its user conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption, "we also know that a few of our users— such as journalists or public figures—might need the highest guarantees against very rare and sophisticated cyberattacks."
Natalia Krabiva, chief technical legal advisor at the digital civil rights organization "Access Now," said that WhatsApp's feature "looks like an excellent addition" to features like Apple's Lockdown Mode and Google’s Advanced Protection.
Krabiva added: "It is encouraging to see more companies enabling advanced security features to protect users who are more vulnerable to spyware. Although litigation is a basic tool in fighting spyware, it may not be available to most victims due to its high costs and legal obstacles."
Continuing, she said: "Implementing such measures, which are free and do not require advanced technical knowledge, is likely to help stop the harms of spyware and prevent its future occurrences for millions of users, especially journalists, activists, and human rights defenders."
And Meta Platforms is the third of the big technology companies to offer security enhancements for high-risk users.
In 2022, Apple launched the "Lockdown Mode," which it describes as an "optional extreme protection" designed "for the very few individuals" who might be targeted by advanced digital threats. This feature is available on iPhone and macOS and disables most types of message attachments and link previews, and includes restrictions on FaceTime calls and internet browsing.
