What are the security implications of using Google Workspace for sensitive Project Management?

All answers to this question.

The key to securing Google Workspace is a combination of Shared Drives and Context-Aware Access. Unlike "My Drive," Shared Drives allow the organization to own the files, so even if a user leaves or their account is compromised, the data remains under central control. You should implement DLP rules that trigger whenever a document containing keywords like "Confidential" or "Internal Only" is shared externally. Furthermore, set up Context-Aware Access levels that require users to be on a company-managed device or a specific IP range to access high-sensitivity project folders. This creates a "Zero Trust" environment without forcing users to jump through too many hoops.

   Answered 2024-10-10 by Sandra Bullock

Have you looked into the "Audit Logs" in the Admin Console to see which third-party apps have been granted OAuth access to your project's Drive folders?

   Answered 2024-10-12 by Richard Foster

• That was actually our biggest vulnerability, Richard. We found several "productivity" plugins that had full read-write access to our PM folders. We’ve since moved to a "Blocked by Default" policy for third-party API access. Now, if a PM wants to use a new integration, it has to go through a security review first. It’s a bit slower, but it’s prevented at least two potential data leaks from shady Chrome extensions already.

     Commented 2024-10-13 by William Taylor

Just use the "Confidential Mode" for emails and sensitive Docs. It prevents the recipient from forwarding, copying, or downloading the content, and you can set an expiration date.

   Answered 2024-10-14 by Mary Johnson

• Mary’s suggestion is a great "quick win." It’s a simple feature that provides a surprising amount of protection for those one-off sensitive communications.

     Commented 2024-10-15 by James Wilson