As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ensuring the security of your organization’s data and Google Workspace users becomes increasingly crucial. Google Chrome, a widely used web browser, offers a range of security features and tools specifically designed to protect users in the Google Workspace environment. This article will delve into eight powerful techniques that can enhance the security of Google Workspace users’ Chrome browsers. By implementing these methods, users can ensure a more secure online environment and protect their organization’s valuable data.
1. Bring Chrome under Cloud Management
Your journey toward enhancing security begins by bringing your Chrome browsers under Cloud Management, a service provided at no additional cost. Chrome browser Cloud Management is a central hub for managing Chrome Browser policies and security controls on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. This allows administrators to gain deep visibility into their browser fleet, including monitoring for out-of-date browsers and identifying potentially risky extensions. Managing Chrome from the cloud empowers Google Workspace admins to enforce enterprise protections and policies seamlessly, even on personal or unmanaged devices.
2. Enforce Built-in Protections against Phishing, Ransomware & Malware
Chrome utilizes Google’s Safe Browsing technology to protect users by issuing warnings when they attempt to access dangerous websites or download malicious files. By default, Safe Browsing is enabled for all users, but administrators can prevent users from turning off this feature. For enhanced protection against web-based threats, consider enabling Enhanced Safe Browsing, which offers additional safeguards against dangerous websites, malicious downloads, and extensions.
3. Enable Enterprise Credential Protections in Chrome
Password reuse is a significant security risk, as employees may use corporate credentials for personal logins or fall victim to phishing attacks. Chrome’s Enterprise Password Reuse detection helps organizations prevent identity theft and data breaches by detecting when employees enter corporate credentials on other websites. Additionally, Google Password Manager in Chrome includes a Password Checkup feature, alerting users to compromised credentials. Admins can view password alerts in Audit Logs and take appropriate action to mitigate risks.
4. Gain Insights into Critical Security Events
IT teams can monitor the browsing activities of Google Workspace users using Audit Logs, Google Security Center, or their preferred SIEM tool to prevent security threats. Chrome can report when users visit malicious sites, download malware-infected files, reuse corporate passwords on unauthorized sites, change passwords after reuse, or install extensions. This data can be exported to other Google Cloud products or third-party SIEM solutions.
5. Mitigate Risk with Timely Updates
Chrome is known for its quick response to patching “zero-day” vulnerabilities, but it’s essential to keep all browsers up-to-date. Enterprise tools facilitate a seamless browser update process, ensuring users stay protected from potential security threats. You can monitor browser versions across operating systems, trigger automatic updates, and control legacy browser usage for applications requiring outdated technologies.
6. Ensure Employees Only Use Vetted Extensions
Extensions can pose security risks due to their powerful permissions. Admins have the power to maintain control by monitoring extensions through the Apps & Extensions usage report. They can also set up workflows to review and approve extension installations, ensuring they meet security standards. Detailed information about an extension’s permissions is readily available to administrators.
7. Implement Context-Aware Access
Context-Aware Access enhances security by allowing granular access control policies based on user identity, location, device security status, and IP address. This ensures that Google Workspace resources are accessed only from managed Chrome browsers with protection enabled, adding an extra layer of security to sensitive information.
8. Enable BeyondCorp Enterprise Threat and Data Protections
BeyondCorp Enterprise is a solution that organizations can use to enhance their data security. This includes data loss prevention, real-time phishing protection, malware scanning, and Zero Trust access to SaaS applications. BeyondCorp Enterprise is seamlessly integrated into Chrome, eliminating the need for additional agents and simplifying implementation.
To enhance the security of the Chrome browser for users of Google Workspace, measures are being taken. It is important to follow these eight best practices. By doing so, you will protect your organization from potential breaches and strengthen its overall security. It is crucial to bear in mind that taking a proactive stance on security is necessary in the modern digital world. Fortunately, Chrome provides a wide range of powerful tools to assist you in accomplishing that objective.
