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Identity and Access Security in Google Workspace¶

This guide provides detailed strategies for implementing robust identity security in Google Workspace environments, with a focus on practices relevant to MSPs and SMBs.

Understanding the Identity Security Landscape¶

In Google Workspace, identity is the foundation of your security posture. Compromised identities are among the most common attack vectors, enabling threat actors to:

Access sensitive company data
Launch lateral movement attacks
Establish persistence
Exfiltrate information
Deploy ransomware or other malicious payloads

Critical Identity Controls¶

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)¶

MFA is your most effective defense against account compromise. Implement a tiered approach:

Tier 1: Basic (Minimum Requirement)¶

Google Authenticator: Time-based one-time passwords
SMS/Voice verification: Less secure but better than no MFA
Email verification codes: For lower-risk scenarios

Tier 2: Enhanced Security¶

Security keys: FIDO U2F or FIDO2 hardware keys
Google Titan Security Keys: Purpose-built hardware security
Integrated device verification: For managed devices

Tier 3: Zero Trust Implementation¶

Context-aware access: Location, device, and risk-based authentication
Continuous verification: Session-based reauthentication
Adaptive risk scoring: ML-based anomaly detection

Context-Aware Access Implementation¶

Context-Aware Access enables granular access control based on contextual attributes to enforce Zero Trust principles:

Key Capabilities¶

User identity verification: Strong authentication based on user identity
Device security posture: Access decisions based on device security state
Location awareness: Limiting access based on geographic location
Resource sensitivity: Varying security requirements based on data sensitivity
Temporal conditions: Time-based access restrictions

Implementation Steps¶

Define access levels: Create access levels based on IP ranges, geographic locations, and device policies
Configure access policies: Apply access levels to Google Workspace services
Set up device validation: Implement device security requirements with endpoint verification
Create security groups: Group users by access requirements
Apply tiered access: Implement least-privilege access by service and data sensitivity

Advanced Context-Aware Configuration¶

Conditional access by OU: Different policies for different organizational units
Service-specific policies: Tailored restrictions for Gmail, Drive, Meet, etc.
API access control: Context-based restrictions for API access
Third-party application integration: Extend context-aware access to connected applications
Real-time policy enforcement: Dynamic access decisions based on changing conditions

For detailed configuration instructions, refer to Google's official Context-Aware Access guide.

Phishing-Resistant MFA Implementation¶

Phishing-resistant MFA methods provide significantly stronger protection than standard MFA:

Hardware security keys: Physical FIDO2/WebAuthn keys that cryptographically verify both the user and the destination site
Passkeys: Modern authentication method tied to device biometrics with phishing resistance
Platform authenticators: Built-in security features in devices that support FIDO standards

Benefits of Phishing-Resistant MFA¶

Prevents credential theft even if users are tricked by sophisticated phishing attempts
Verifies both the user identity and the legitimacy of the service being accessed
Eliminates risks associated with OTPs, push notifications, and other interceptable verification methods
Provides stronger protection against man-in-the-middle attacks

Hardware Key Management¶

Inventory tracking: Maintain a central registry of all issued hardware keys
User assignment: Track which keys are assigned to which users
Backup procedures: Ensure users have backup authentication methods or keys
Revocation process: Implement clear procedures for when keys are lost or compromised
Usage analytics: Monitor which users actively use hardware keys for authentication

Implementation Strategy for Hardware Keys¶

Identify high-risk users: Start with admins and users with access to sensitive data
Pilot program: Test with a small group before organization-wide deployment
Procurement planning: Select compatible hardware keys that meet security requirements
User training: Provide clear instructions on how to use and safeguard hardware keys
Gradual enforcement: Begin with optional adoption, then require for specific actions, and finally mandate for all authentication
Monitoring and compliance: Track adoption rates and enforce policies through conditional access

Enforcing Hardware Key Requirements¶

In Google Workspace Admin Console: 1. Go to Security > Authentication > 2-Step Verification 2. Enable "Require security key" option for selected organizational units 3. Configure settings to only allow hardware security keys as 2SV methods 4. Set up alerts for authentication attempts that don't use hardware keys

Reporting on Hardware Key Usage¶

To gain visibility into hardware key adoption: 1. Generate 2-Step Verification reports from Admin Console (Security > Reports) 2. Monitor "Login audit logs" filtering for security key authentication events 3. Create custom alerts for users attempting to bypass hardware key requirements 4. Establish regular compliance reviews of hardware key usage across the organization

Implementation Strategy¶

Start with a pilot group of admin and high-value accounts
Use enrollment campaigns with clear deadlines
Monitor MFA adoption and enforce through conditional access policies
Consider security key provisioning for privileged accounts

2. Password Policies and Controls¶

Even with MFA, password security remains critical:

Strong password requirements: Enforce minimum length (12+ characters) and complexity
Password rotation: Balance security with usability (90-180 days for standard accounts)
Password breach detection: Enable Google's built-in compromised credential checking
No password sharing: Implement delegate access instead of sharing credentials
Password manager integration: Encourage use of secure password management

3. Super Admin Account Protection¶

Super Admin accounts require exceptional protection:

Dedicated admin accounts: Separate from day-to-day user accounts
Break-glass procedures: For emergency access to admin credentials
Advanced Protection Program: For highest-value admin accounts
Admin privilege segmentation: Implement least privilege for administrative roles
Admin account activity logging: Enhanced monitoring for admin actions

4. External Identity Management¶

Control how users authenticate with external services:

SSO implementation: Centralize authentication through Google IdP
SAML application onboarding: Secure integration of third-party services
OAuth scope review: Regular audit of third-party application permissions
External identity governance: Policies for B2B identity federation
Consumer identity separation: Segregate consumer and corporate identity

Advanced Identity Security Techniques¶

Account Takeover Prevention¶

Implement specific controls to detect and prevent account takeovers:

Login challenge triggers: Based on suspicious location, device, or behavior
Login velocity monitoring: Detect unusual patterns in authentication attempts
Impossible travel detection: Flag authentications from geographically distant locations
Authentication anomaly alerting: Notify security teams of suspicious login patterns
Access suspension workflows: Automated or manual account freezing

Identity Threat Detection¶

Develop capabilities to identify identity-based threats:

Authentication log analysis: Regular review of login patterns and failures
Permission change monitoring: Detection of privilege escalation
OAuth token abuse detection: Identify suspicious application access
Session hijacking detection: Monitor for indicators of session compromise
Lateral movement identification: Track identity usage across services

MSP-Specific Identity Management¶

MSP Considerations

These guidelines are specifically designed for Managed Service Providers supporting multiple client Google Workspace environments.

For MSPs managing multiple Google Workspace tenants:

Cross-tenant identity governance: Consistent policies across client environments
Delegated admin management: Secure partner access to client tenants
Identity baseline templates: Standardized identity controls for new clients
Tiered identity services: Different security levels based on client requirements
Identity security reporting: Client-specific identity risk assessments

Implementation Checklist¶

Best Practices

This checklist represents recommended security controls that align with industry best practices. Prioritize implementation based on your organization's risk profile and resources.

Threat Hunting Scenarios¶

Suspicious OAuth Grants¶

Monitor for and investigate: - OAuth grants to new or uncommon applications - Applications requesting unusual scopes - Multiple users authorizing the same suspicious application - OAuth grants occurring outside business hours

Authentication Anomalies¶

Look for: - Failed login attempts followed by successful logins - Successful logins from unusual locations - Authentication pattern changes (time, location, device) - Password resets followed by immediate login activity - Disabled MFA followed by authentication from new location

Resources¶

Note: This guide should be adapted to your organization's specific needs and risk profile.