Not too soon
The move arrives not a moment too soon, as vulnerabilities continue to surface, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced protections. WhatsApp is betting that a multi-layered approach is the best defense, prioritizing security over absolute convenience for its most vulnerable users.
The cornerstone of WhatsApp’s enhanced security is the introduction of optional “strict security settings.” Spotted in the latest iOS beta, these settings allow users to impose rigorous controls on account interactions, effectively building a digital bastion around their communications. WABetaInfo details how these measures include blocking media from unknown contacts, disabling link previews, and restricting group invites – all aimed at thwarting phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.
Think of it as a digital bouncer for your WhatsApp account, carefully vetting every interaction before it reaches you. For high-risk users, this granular control is invaluable.
Zero-Click Exploits and the Arms Race
The urgency behind these updates is fueled by the rise of increasingly sophisticated attacks. Consider the zero-click exploit, chained with an Apple bug, that allowed hackers to hijack devices without any user interaction. The Hacker News reported on WhatsApp’s swift patch for CVE-2025-55177, linked to Apple’s CVE-2025-43300, which was exploited in spyware attacks using malicious DNG files. This highlights the constant arms race between security providers and threat actors.
As one cybersecurity expert noted on X, “This flaw enabled specially crafted messages to trigger remote code execution,” emphasizing the insidious nature of these exploits. The ‘fortress mode’ is WhatsApp’s answer, aiming to mitigate these risks by default.
Passkey and Biometrics
WhatsApp isn’t just relying on stricter settings. They’re also embracing passwordless authentication with passkey-secured backups for both iOS and Android. This ensures chat histories are encrypted and accessible only via biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID.
“Passkeys are a more secure and easier way to log back in,” WhatsApp declared in a 2024 X post. As confirmed by Latest Hacking News, this feature is now widely available, marking a significant step towards a more secure, password-free future.
This move aligns with broader security enhancements, including advanced chat privacy and encrypted backups, as outlined in a 2025 security features overview by SheetWA . The industry is steadily shifting away from SMS-based verifications, recognizing their vulnerability to interception.
Whatsapp Android vulnerabilities exposed
A security audit earlier in 2025 exposed five critical vulnerabilities in WhatsApp’s Android app, with potential implications for iOS, according to Appknox . These vulnerabilities, impacting potentially billions of users, prompted urgent updates. Similarly, Gulf News warned of an “extremely sophisticated” cyberattack targeting iPhone users, urging them to enable iOS Lockdown Mode.
The message is clear: constant vigilance and rapid response are paramount. WhatsApp’s security advisories and proactive patching demonstrate their commitment to addressing these threats head-on.
WhatsApp’s commitment to security extends to the Apple Watch. The new Apple Watch app, as reported by 9to5Mac , brings messaging features while maintaining end-to-end encryption. This ensures that even on wearables, security isn’t compromised, with quick replies and voice messages benefiting from the same robust protections.
WhatsApp’s enhanced security measures are not just about protecting its own users; they’re setting a new standard for the industry. By prioritizing security for high-risk users and embracing passwordless authentication, WhatsApp is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in secure messaging.
Wrappingup
As cyber threats continue to evolve, platforms must adapt and innovate. WhatsApp’s “fortress mode” is a testament to this ongoing evolution, demonstrating a commitment to protecting users in an increasingly hostile digital landscape. As Gadget Bridge reports, the plan is to eventually roll out these strict settings to all users, democratizing high-level security and raising the bar for everyone.
