WhatsApp's New Strict Account Settings: Your Ultimate Shield Against Scams

• WhatsApp introduces 'Strict account settings' in its 2026 version to combat phishing, spyware, and impersonation scams.
• These settings block media from unknown numbers, silence calls from unknown senders, and disable link previews to prevent zero-click malware and IP tracking.
• Profile photo, 'Last Seen', and 'About' details are restricted to saved contacts, limiting information for scammers.
• Users must update WhatsApp, navigate to Settings > Privacy > Advanced, and enable 'Strict account settings' with a unique 6-digit PIN.
• Immediate steps for suspected scams include resetting two-step verification, logging out of unknown linked devices, and enabling passkeys for biometric authentication.

Why It Matters: WhatsApp's new 'Strict account settings' offer robust, proactive protection against evolving digital scams.