In an era where digital threats loom larger than ever, WhatsApp is stepping up its game with a suite of enhanced security features tailored for iOS users at high risk of cyberattacks. This move comes amid a surge in sophisticated hacking attempts targeting prominent individuals and organizations. According to recent reports, the Meta-owned messaging giant is introducing optional protections that promise to fortify accounts against persistent threats.

The new features, spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS, allow users to enable ‘strict security settings’ that impose rigorous controls on account interactions. This includes blocking media from unknown contacts, disabling link previews, and restricting group invites, as detailed by WABetaInfo. These measures are designed for users like journalists, activists, and executives who face elevated risks from state-sponsored hackers or cybercriminals.

The Rise of Targeted Attacks

Recent vulnerabilities have underscored the urgency of these updates. For instance, a zero-click exploit chained with an Apple bug allowed hackers to hijack devices without user interaction, as reported by The Hacker News. WhatsApp patched CVE-2025-55177, linked to Apple’s CVE-2025-43300, which was exploited in spyware attacks. ‘This flaw enabled specially crafted messages to trigger remote code execution,’ explained cybersecurity experts in posts on X, highlighting the exploit’s use of malicious DNG files.

Building on this, WhatsApp’s enhanced protections aim to mitigate such risks by layering defenses. Users can opt into these settings via the app’s privacy menu, creating a ‘fortress mode’ that prioritizes security over convenience. As per 9to5Mac, this is particularly crucial for high-risk accounts, where even minor oversights can lead to devastating breaches.

Passkeys and Encrypted Backups: A New Era of Authentication

Complementing these strict settings, WhatsApp has rolled out passkey-secured backups for iOS and Android, ensuring chat histories are encrypted with biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID. ‘Passkeys are a more secure and easier way to log back in,’ WhatsApp stated in an X post from 2024, with the feature now widely available as confirmed by Latest Hacking News.

This integration ties into broader security enhancements, including advanced chat privacy and encrypted backups, as outlined in a 2025 security features overview by SheetWA. For industry insiders, this represents a shift toward passwordless systems, reducing reliance on vulnerable SMS-based verifications that hackers often exploit.

Vulnerabilities Exposed: Lessons from 2025 Audits

A security audit earlier this year revealed five critical vulnerabilities in WhatsApp’s Android app, with potential implications for iOS, according to Appknox. These included risks that could impact billions of users, prompting urgent updates. Similarly, an ‘extremely sophisticated’ cyberattack targeted iPhone users, urging them to enable iOS Lockdown Mode, as warned by Gulf News.

Posts on X from cybersecurity accounts like DARKNAVY detailed a zero-click exploit on iOS and macOS, exploiting missing validations in message origins. ‘We triggered WhatsApp 0-click on iOS/macOS/iPadOS,’ they posted, emphasizing the chained vulnerabilities. WhatsApp’s response, including security advisories listed on their official site, shows a proactive stance in patching these gaps.

Strict Settings in Action: What Users Can Expect

The ‘strict account settings’ feature, currently in beta for iOS 25.33.10.70, empowers users to apply tighter privacy controls. As reported by LatestLY, this includes blocking unsolicited media and invites, which could thwart phishing attempts. For high-risk users, this means a customizable shield against social engineering tactics.

Industry experts view this as part of Meta’s broader strategy to combat rising threats. ‘WhatsApp is rolling out a major security update designed to make it easier for users to protect their accounts,’ noted India Herald. Combined with features like passkey logins, it positions WhatsApp as a leader in secure messaging for vulnerable populations.

Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Watch and Beyond

WhatsApp’s security push extends to the Apple Watch, with a new app introducing messaging features while maintaining end-to-end encryption. 9to5Mac reported on this launch, which includes quick replies and voice messages, ensuring security isn’t compromised on wearables.

Moreover, advisories from WhatsApp’s security page detail fixes for 2025 vulnerabilities, reinforcing trust. Posts on X from WABetaInfo highlight ongoing developments, such as the strict settings rollout, signaling continuous improvements.

Implications for the Tech Industry

As cyber threats evolve, WhatsApp’s enhancements set a benchmark for other platforms. The focus on high-risk users addresses gaps exposed by incidents like the zero-day exploits, where hackers used chained flaws to deploy spyware. ‘Hackers chained a new WhatsApp flaw with an Apple bug,’ warned The Hacker News on X, underscoring the need for layered defenses.

For insiders, this development raises questions about balancing usability and security. While convenient for everyday users, these optional features provide essential tools for those in the crosshairs of advanced persistent threats, potentially influencing future regulations on app security.

Future Horizons: Evolving Defenses

Looking ahead, WhatsApp’s beta features suggest more innovations, including AI-driven threat detection. Reports from Gadget Bridge indicate that strict settings will soon be available to all, democratizing high-level security.

Ultimately, these updates reflect a maturing approach to digital safety, where proactive measures like passkeys and strict controls become standard. As vulnerabilities continue to emerge, WhatsApp’s commitment to patching and enhancing protections will be key to maintaining user confidence in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.