WhatsApp is rolling out a new “Strict Account Settings” mode designed to protect users potentially targeted by sophisticated spyware, reports indicate. This enhanced security feature is particularly aimed at journalists, public figures, and activists who may be at higher risk of surveillance.
Enhanced Privacy with a Few Clicks
The new settings offer a significant boost to WhatsApp’s security posture for vulnerable users.
Enabling Strict Account Settings automatically tightens a number of privacy parameters within the app. WhatsApp will begin blocking attachments and media files from senders not in your contacts, silence calls from unknown numbers, and restrict other features that could be exploited in an attack. Meta emphasizes that these changes can be implemented “with a few clicks.” The new option is located within Settings → Privacy → Advanced and will be available to all users gradually over the coming weeks.
Under the Hood Improvements
Beyond the user-facing settings, Meta is also implementing crucial changes to WhatsApp’s core code. The company is transitioning media processing to Rust, a programming language renowned for its memory safety features. This new cross-platform media sharing library, named wamedia, handles photos, videos, and other attachments. By utilizing Rust, Meta aims to significantly hinder the effectiveness of spy tools that often rely on exploiting memory management vulnerabilities.
What makes Rust so secure? Rust’s design prevents common programming errors that lead to memory-related bugs, making it much harder for attackers to inject malicious code.
These updates represent a proactive step towards bolstering WhatsApp’s security, particularly for those who face a heightened risk of targeted surveillance. The combination of user-controlled settings and underlying code improvements provides a layered defense against increasingly sophisticated threats.
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