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# WhatsApp Introduces Lockdown-Style Protection for Users Facing Advanced Cyber Threats
- URL: https://www.techloy.com/whatsapp-introduces-lockdown-style-protection-for-users-facing-advanced-cyber-threats/
- Published: 2026-01-28T12:34:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-28T12:34:03.000Z
- Description: This comes days after a lawsuit challenged WhatsApp’s privacy claims.
- Author: Ogbonda Chivumnovu
- Tags: / Cybersecurity, WhatsApp

Just days after a [lawsuit](https://www.techloy.com/lawsuit-alleges-whatsapp-can-access-private-messages-despite-encryption-promise/) alleged that [WhatsApp](https://www.techloy.com/tag/whatsapp/) could access users’ private messages—claims [Meta](https://www.techloy.com/tag/meta/) dismissed as a “frivolous work of fiction”—the company has unveiled a new security feature it says is designed for users facing extreme threats.

In a [blog](https://blog.whatsapp.com/whatsapps-latest-privacy-protection-strict-account-settings) post published yesterday, Meta said: “At WhatsApp, we think you should be able to have a private conversation online, just like you would in person. We will always defend that right to privacy for everyone, starting with default end-to-end encryption. But we also know that a few of our users—like journalists or public-facing figures—may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks.”

To address this, WhatsApp announced a new lockdown-style feature called Strict Account Settings.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2026/01/image-216.png)

Image credit: Meta

When enabled, the feature locks certain account settings to their most restrictive options. This limits how WhatsApp functions in practice, including blocking attachments and media from people who are not in a user’s contacts.

Meta also said the feature is built using Rust, a programming language it believes helps protect users from advanced threats. According to the company, Rust helps keep “photos, videos, and messages safe from things like spyware.”

Rather than gradually rewriting its existing codebase, Meta [said](https://engineering.fb.com/2026/01/27/security/rust-at-scale-security-whatsapp/) it developed Rust in parallel with the original C++ version. The Rust implementation showed better performance and lower runtime memory usage, leading to a full rollout across platforms including [Android](https://www.techloy.com/tag/android/), [iOS](https://www.techloy.com/tag/ios/), [Mac](https://www.techloy.com/tag/macos/), Web, and wearables. Meta added that memory-safe languages will play an increasing role in WhatsApp’s long-term security strategy.

Strict Account Settings will roll out gradually and can be enabled by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Advanced.

The feature mirrors [Apple’s](https://www.techloy.com/tag/apple/) [Lockdown Mode](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-turn-on-lockdown-mode-on-iphone/) and [Google’s](https://www.techloy.com/tag/google/) Advanced Protection Program, prioritising maximum security over convenience by reducing the app’s attack surface.

[How to Enable Advanced Protection on Google PixelIf you’ve ever worried about losing your phone, getting hacked, or accidentally downloading malware, this should be useful to you.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-5703.png)TechloyOyinebiladou Omemu![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1624133525445-d6f13e059c6a.jpeg)](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-enable-advanced-protection-on-google-pixel/)

The introduction of this feature could be viewed in the broader as the response to the recent lawsuit against them and the renewed criticism from figures like Elon Musk and Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, both of whom have publicly questioned WhatsApp’s security claims.

As cyberattacks grow more targeted and sophisticated, WhatsApp’s latest move shows how messaging platforms are being pushed to offer protections that go beyond default encryption. Whether this will be enough to restore user confidence remains to be seen.

[Lawsuit Alleges WhatsApp Can Access “Private” Messages Despite Encryption PromisePlaintiffs allege WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption promises are misleading, claiming the company can access supposedly private messages.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-5704.png)TechloyOgbonda Chivumnovu![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1519069060891-f8c50519bf39-6)](https://www.techloy.com/lawsuit-alleges-whatsapp-can-access-private-messages-despite-encryption-promise/)