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Google revealed last week that it is expanding client-side encryption access on a range of its web-based platforms. The encryption is in its beta phase and is now available for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard.
Sign-ups are open now and until 20 January 2023. The beta program is not yet available for individual accounts.
“Google Workspace already uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt all data at rest and in transit between our facilities,” Google said in its announcement. “Client-side encryption helps strengthen the confidentiality of your data while helping to address a broad range of data sovereignty and compliance needs.”
Once admins are accepted into the beta, the new encryption can be enabled via Admin console > Security > Access and data control > Client-side encryption, and can be enabled at domain, OU, and Group levels.
On the end-user side of things, users can simply click the lock logo on an email, select “Additional Encryption” in the drop-down, and then compose and send their emails normally. The subject line and recipients are not encrypted, however. The body of the email, included embedded images, is encrypted, as are attachments.
The key strength of client-side encryption is that it can be used with an organisation’s own keys. The encryption also occurs before the email is sent or stored in Google’s cloud storage — not even Google can access the data, the company claims.
Admins can also choose which users have access to the functionality.
Google suggests that any company working with important intellectual property should take advantage of its client-side encryption, as well as companies working in particularly regulated industries such as aerospace and defence, or government.
You can learn more about the beta and what it offers here.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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