Google Workspace has become a cornerstone for modern productivity. From Gmail and Meet to Google Docs, Google Drive, and more, it empowers teams to collaborate efficiently across time zones and geographies. Its intuitive interface and seamless integration make it a preferred choice for both personal and professional use.

But, as with all digital tools, convenience and accessibility come with their own set of cybersecurity challenges. With data breaches growing more complex and targeted, organisations cannot afford to overlook the security implications of cloud-based platforms, even those as robust as Google Workspace.

So, is Google Workspace a cybersecurity ally, or could it expose your organisation to unnecessary risk? Let’s explore the answer by looking at its security features, vulnerabilities, and best practices for hardening its environment.

Is Google Workspace’s security strong enough?

Google Workspace includes a suite of security features by default. Among these are strong data encryption (both in transit and at rest), AI-powered phishing detection, and spam filtering. Users also benefit from built-in two-factor authentication (2FA) to add a critical second layer of defence against unauthorised access.

However, it’s important to understand that Google’s model operates on a shared responsibility framework. While Google ensures the infrastructure and core platform are secure, users and administrators are responsible for implementing appropriate security configurations, maintaining access hygiene, and educating employees on cyber risks.

For example, setting strong, unique passwords is only the beginning. Admins must also routinely review access controls, sharing permissions, and authentication settings. While Google offers tools like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Context-Aware Access to help support compliance needs, achieving and maintaining compliance typically demands ongoing configuration and oversight.

Common security risks in Google Workspace

Despite these native protections, several risks persist. These vulnerabilities are often due to user behaviour, third-party integrations, and mismanagement of account and device access.

1. Phishing and social engineering

Phishing remains one of the most common and effective cyberattack vectors. Google’s phishing filters catch many malicious emails, but attackers are constantly adapting. If even one employee clicks a link or reveals login credentials, it can lead to unauthorised access and data loss. Educating users on spotting suspicious emails remains critical.

2. Third-party app integrations

Google Workspace allows integration with a wide range of third-party apps to enhance productivity. However, each integration comes with its own security implications. If a third-party app is compromised, it may become an entry point into your organisation’s environment. Third-party risk management is, therefore, non-negotiable here and involves reviewing and restricting app permissions and disabling unused or untrusted integrations.

3. Expanding attack surface via multiple accounts

Organisations today rely on a multitude of cloud services. Each additional platform and account increases the attack surface. Poorly managed accounts or insufficient monitoring of user access can enable malicious actors to gain footholds in your network. Centralised control and clear visibility are key to managing this risk.

4. Device proliferation and remote access

With remote work now standard for many, countless personal and work-issued devices connect to Google Workspace daily. Mobile devices, in particular, pose a significant threat due to their tendency to be lost or stolen. Each unsecured or unmanaged device becomes a potential gateway to sensitive company data.

5. Gaps in encryption strategy

Although Google encrypts data by default, custom security needs, especially in regulated industries, may call for additional encryption layers or key management protocols. Without these enhancements, organisations handling highly sensitive information may find themselves at greater risk of data exposure.

A brief history of Google Workspace vulnerabilities

Like any major platform, Google Workspace has had its share of security incidents. These examples underscore the importance of proactive security posture management.

1. Lateral movement via Google SSO

A notable exploit involved attackers using Google’s Single Sign-On (SSO) feature to gain initial access to one account and then move laterally across connected applications and services. This exposed the risk of a single compromised credential unlocking access to multiple systems, demonstrating the dangers of unchecked SSO usage.

2. GhostToken exploit

The GhostToken vulnerability targeted OAuth 2.0 token handling. Attackers were able to manipulate token validation to gain unauthorised access to Workspace apps. In response, Google overhauled its OAuth framework to enhance auditing and restrict token abuse, but the exploit highlighted the complex nature of token-based threats.

3. Free Cloud Identity token bypass

An oversight in the Free Cloud Identity offering allowed attackers to bypass SSO authentication and gain API-level access. This incident revealed the risks associated with improperly secured free-tier services. Google later reinforced the token validation mechanisms and implemented stricter access control policies.

Best practices for securing Google Workspace

Security teams and administrators serve as the first line of defence for any organisation. The following best practices can help ensure your Google Workspace environment is fortified against evolving threats.

1. Conduct configuration audits

Misconfigurations are one of the leading causes of cloud-related security incidents. In large organisations, it’s easy for incorrect settings to go unnoticed until it’s too late.

• Perform regular audits: Ideally twice a year, audits can identify issues such as overly permissive sharing or out-of-date permissions.
• Match settings to policy: Ensure your configuration reflects your internal security standards, including access controls, file-sharing restrictions, and admin privileges.

Partnering with a penetration testing company in Singapore can help simulate real-world attacks and uncover any hidden weaknesses in your Workspace setup before malicious actors do.

2. Strengthen account access controls

Strong passwords aren’t enough. To effectively secure user accounts:

• Monitor login activity: Watch for signs of suspicious behaviour, such as access attempts from unknown IP addresses or during unusual hours.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA should be mandatory for all accounts to prevent credential-based breaches.

There are now various cybersecurity solutions that can be used to trigger real-time alerts for suspicious login attempts, allowing for swift incident response. To deepen your visibility and proactively identify potential weaknesses in access controls, it’s also worth considering pen test services in Singapore. These tests simulate real-world attacks to reveal how easily sensitive files might be accessed through improper sharing settings or weak internal permissions.

3. Centralise identity management

Effective identity management simplifies oversight and strengthens security:

• Use SSO: A properly configured Single Sign-On (SSO) system reduces password fatigue and improves user compliance with security policies.
• Monitor for misuse: Alerting systems should flag unusual access patterns, such as users logging into services they don’t typically use.
• Consolidate user control: Centralised management helps enforce consistent policies across all users and groups.

By opting for a unified approach, businesses can also streamline the implementation of broader cyber security services across their digital infrastructure.

4. Enforce smart sharing and access permissions

File sharing within Google Workspace can be a major source of data leakage, especially when sensitive information is shared too broadly or with external parties.

• Limit external sharing: Whenever possible, restrict sharing to internal users. Use tools like expiring links and password-protected documents when external sharing is necessary.
• Set permission boundaries: Share documents with only those who need access. Avoid blanket permissions such as “anyone in the department” or “anyone with the link.”
• Monitor sharing patterns: Regular reviews of shared files can help spot potential issues before they escalate.

Businesses looking to bolster these practices can benefit from engaging VAPT services to evaluate their security measures and recommend policy adjustments for greater resilience.

Conclusion

Google Workspace offers a strong foundation for collaboration and productivity, but it isn’t inherently secure by default. Its security depends heavily on how well your organisation configures, monitors, and manages the tools it provides. With cyber threats becoming more targeted and sophisticated, it's crucial for businesses to take a proactive stance.

From understanding the risks of misconfigurations to leveraging identity management best practices, your Google Workspace security strategy must be comprehensive and continuously evolving. In the end, Google Workspace is neither purely a friend nor a foe; it’s a tool. Its security depends on how effectively you use it.

From ransomware to data breaches, modern cyber threats demand a proactive and strategic defence. Group8 delivers cutting-edge, offensive-inspired cybersecurity services designed to protect your business at every layer. Whether you’re looking to identify vulnerabilities or improve your incident response capabilities, we’re ready to support you. Get in touch with us at hello@group8.co and find out how we can secure what matters most to your organisation.