Google is bolstering the security capabilities of its Google Workspace suite with a range of AI-powered tools aimed at improving data protection practices for organizations.
One of the key additions to Google Workspace is the integration of “confidentiality-preserving AI models” that facilitate the classification and labelling of both new and existing files in Google Drive. These AI-powered models operate automatically and continuously, providing a form of data loss prevention. Users also have the flexibility to modify labels as needed, enhancing the adaptability of the system.
This move is part of Google’s broader effort to enhance security and productivity within its enterprise offerings. With the new tools, organizations gain the ability to restrict file sharing based on geographical location and security status, helping to further fortify data loss prevention measures. These extended data loss prevention controls are expected to become available in Gmail as well.
In addition to AI-powered data protection, Google is introducing advanced security features for Workspace users. Notably, client-side encryption (CSE) is now available in the Gmail mobile app. This feature enables enterprise clients to take control of encryption keys, ensuring that the content shared through these applications remains private and secure from third-party access, including Google’s own access.
The availability of CSE will initially cover Google Calendar, Gmail, and Meet. Further down the line, Google Docs will also incorporate CSE for comments, with ongoing trials to support Microsoft Excel files. Additionally, users will have the ability to choose the geographical location where their stored data is processed, along with the option to store copies of their Workspace data in a location of their choice.
Google had first announced client-side encryption for Gmail and Google Calendar in 2021, during the Google Cloud Next event. The feature was gradually introduced to general users earlier this year and is now being extended to corporate clients as part of Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing data security and privacy within its suite of enterprise tools.
