WhatsApp improves privacy with anti-spyware update

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WhatsApp is expanding its security features in response to growing concerns about data privacy and targeted cyberattacks. The messaging service has announced two specific improvements designed to enhance protection against spyware. The focus is on a new security mode that allows for particularly restrictive account settings, complemented by technical changes in the background.

Spyware attacks are rare, but often targeted and technically sophisticated. Individuals with a high public profile are particularly vulnerable. WhatsApp aims to address this with its new measures, offering greater security to both individual users and the platform as a whole. The service combines visible settings with invisible, yet effective, technical adjustments.

New mode: "Strict account settings"

Purpose and target group

With its new "Strict Account Settings," WhatsApp is introducing an anti-spyware mode. According to the company, this mode is primarily aimed at users who require a particularly high level of security. This includes, among others, journalists and public figures who are potentially targets of rare but sophisticated cyberattacks. However, the feature is available to all WhatsApp users.

Activation and availability

The new mode can be activated manually. It can be found in the app under Settings → Privacy → Advanced. Once the feature is fully rolled out, it will be available to anyone who wants to activate additional privacy measures.

Impact on the use of WhatsApp

After activation, certain account settings are automatically set to the strictest possible level. This deliberately restricts WhatsApp's functionality to minimize potential security vulnerabilities. A key example is the blocking of attachments and media from people not in your contacts. This is intended to prevent harmful content from entering your account via unknown senders.

Improved protection even without the new mode

Additional measures in the background

WhatsApp emphasizes that privacy protection has not only been improved through optional settings. Even users who do not activate "Strict Account Settings" benefit from additional security measures.

Use of the Rust programming language

One of the most important changes concerns the service's technical foundation. WhatsApp now uses the Rust programming language in the background to better protect photos, videos, and messages from spyware. Rust is considered particularly secure because it prevents many typical vulnerabilities that can be exploited in other programming languages.

This change will not require any additional effort from users. No settings are needed, as the changes will take effect automatically. The goal is to make sharing media and chatting safer overall.

WhatsApp strengthens data protection and security on multiple levels

With its new anti-spyware mode and additional technical adjustments, WhatsApp significantly strengthens its protection against targeted attacks. The "Strict Account Settings" offer an option for maximum security, while the introduction of Rust improves overall data privacy for all users. WhatsApp is thus relying on a combination of robust security settings and modern technology to better protect sensitive data. (Image: Shutterstock / Sergei Elagin)