WhatsApp has steadily transformed from a basic chat application into a critical digital platform that stores conversations, photos, videos, business communications, and even sensitive financial details. With billions of users relying on it daily, the app has become an attractive target for scammers, hackers, and cybercriminals. Recognising these growing risks, WhatsApp’s February 2026 update brings a major upgrade focused entirely on strengthening account security and user privacy.

The latest update introduces a set of advanced safety features designed to protect users from fraud, data leaks, spyware, and unauthorised access. These tools work together to create a layered defence system, giving users more control over who can contact them, what content reaches their device, and how their personal information is protected.

Advanced Privacy Controls for Safer Accounts

One of the most impactful additions in the 2026 update is the enhanced privacy control for unknown contacts. Once enabled through the privacy settings, this feature automatically blocks media files and attachments sent by numbers not saved in the contact list.

This move directly targets common cyber threats such as phishing files, spyware-infected images, and malicious documents. By stopping suspicious content at the entry point, WhatsApp reduces the chances of accidental downloads that could compromise a device. This feature is especially useful for professionals, entrepreneurs, and users who frequently receive messages from unknown sources.

Close Friends Status Sharing for Better Control

WhatsApp has also refined how users share personal updates. The new Close Friends Status option allows users to create a private list of trusted contacts who alone can view selected status posts.

When a status is shared with this limited audience, a special visual indicator appears, clearly showing restricted visibility. This eliminates the need to constantly adjust status privacy settings and makes sharing personal moments safer and more comfortable.

Two-Step Verification Gets Stronger Attention

Account takeovers through SIM swap scams have increased sharply in recent years. To counter this, WhatsApp is strongly encouraging users to enable two-step verification.

By setting a six-digit PIN, users add an extra layer of protection that prevents unauthorised logins, even if someone gains access to the SIM card. Without this PIN, the account remains locked, making it one of the most effective defences against hacking attempts.

Improved Chat Lock and App Lock Features

Privacy within the app has also received a major boost. Users can now lock individual chats in addition to securing the entire WhatsApp application.

Locked conversations are moved to a hidden folder that can only be accessed using biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or face recognition. This feature is particularly useful for users who share their phone with family members or colleagues, ensuring confidential chats remain private at all times.

Call Security with IP Address Protection

Digital calls can sometimes expose a user’s IP address, which cybercriminals may exploit to track location. To address this concern, WhatsApp has introduced an option to protect IP addresses during calls.

When activated, calls are routed through secure servers, masking real location details. This significantly reduces the risk of surveillance, stalking, and location-based scams.

Disappearing Messages for Reduced Data Risk

WhatsApp continues to improve its disappearing messages feature to limit long-term data exposure. Users can now choose auto-delete timers ranging from 24 hours to 90 days.

Once enabled, messages are automatically erased from both devices after the selected period. This feature is particularly valuable for sensitive conversations, as it minimises the risk of old messages being misused or leaked.

Silence Unknown Callers and Control Media Downloads

Spam and scam calls have become a serious annoyance for many users. The Silence Unknown Callers option ensures that calls from unfamiliar numbers do not ring the phone, while still appearing in the call log for later review.

Additionally, users can disable automatic media downloads to prevent unwanted images or videos from being saved. This not only improves security but also helps conserve storage space and mobile data.

A Clear Shift Towards Stronger Digital Safety

The February 2026 WhatsApp update highlights the platform’s growing focus on user protection. As online fraud, identity theft, and spyware attacks become more sophisticated, these new features offer users practical tools to stay safe.

By enabling these settings, users can significantly reduce their exposure to digital threats while gaining better control over their data, conversations, and online interactions.