Google Workspace Changes

Data regions enhanced with user indices for Gmail and Calendar, Google Keep coverage, and granular group-based controls.

Data regions allow choosing a specific geographic location for covered data. Enhancements include coverage of user indices for Gmail and Calendar, Google Keep primary data at rest and backups, and more granular group-based controls. The data region reporting dashboard location has also moved.

General availability of the Advanced Protection Program for enterprise.

The Advanced Protection Program for enterprise is now generally available, allowing organizations to enforce enhanced security policies for high-risk users. This includes automatic blocking of applications requiring restricted Gmail and Drive access unless trusted by admins, mandatory security keys, enhanced email scanning, and Chrome download protections.

Introduction of Activity Rules in the Security Center investigation tool to automate security actions and alerts.

Google is adding Activity Rules to the Security Center investigation tool, enabling G Suite admins and analysts to automate security management tasks. These rules allow for the creation of automated alerts or remediation actions based on specific log event queries. The update includes a monitor mode to test rule effectiveness without executing actions, detailed audit logs to track rule triggers and affected entities, and integration with the Admin console's security rules list and the Alert Center.

USB-C Titan Security Keys are now available in the United States.

Google is expanding 2-Step Verification (2SV) options by offering USB-C Titan Security Keys in the United States. These phishing-resistant two-factor authentication (2FA) devices support FIDO standards and are compatible with Android, Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows. They are available for all G Suite and Cloud Identity editions and can be used within the Advanced Protection Program for enterprise to protect high-risk users.

Google Groups information to Cloud Audit Logs (CAL) in Stackdriver

We’re adding Google Groups information to Cloud Audit Logs (CAL) in Stackdriver. This is an opt-in feature that can be enabled at G Suite Admin console > Company profile > Legal & Compliance > Sharing options.

Special 50% discount on Security Keys from Yubico for Google Apps customers

Google is offering a special promotion for Google Apps customers, allowing them to purchase physical Security Keys from the manufacturer, Yubico, at a 50% discounted rate to encourage the adoption of more secure 2-Step Verification.

Google Web Security for Enterprise is now available for real-time malware protection and URL filtering.

Google Web Security for Enterprise, powered by Postini, provides real-time malware protection and URL filtering with policy enforcement and reporting. The service also includes a feature that extends these protections to remote users working on laptops in hotels, cafes, and guest networks without requiring any action on their part.