India, Jan. 28 -- Meta-owned WhatsApp has introduced an advanced security option that allows users to opt into stronger protections against hacking and surveillance, joining a growing list of US tech firms offering enhanced safeguards for high-risk users.

The new feature, called "Strict Account Settings," began rolling out on Tuesday. It appears as a one-click option in WhatsApp's settings and activates multiple defensive measures designed to limit common attack vectors.

Security researchers have identified all three features as potential entry points for surveillance and sophisticated cyberattacks.

"We know that a few of our users - like journalists or public-facing figures - may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly sophist...