diff --git a/cli/internal/helm/values.go b/cli/internal/helm/values.go
index 2e3b52ff175..af3f4ca620d 100644
--- a/cli/internal/helm/values.go
+++ b/cli/internal/helm/values.go
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ var ciliumVals = map[string]map[string]any{
 			"type":           "wireguard",
 			"nodeEncryption": true,
 			"strictMode": map[string]any{
-				"enabled":                   false,
+				"enabled":                   true,
 				"allowRemoteNodeIdentities": false,
 			},
 		},