Implementing Google Workspace Admin Security

When to Use

• Deploying or hardening a Google Workspace environment for enterprise use
• CIS benchmark compliance assessment for Google Workspace configuration
• Protecting against business email compromise (BEC) and phishing attacks targeting Google accounts
• Implementing Data Loss Prevention controls for Gmail and Google Drive
• Restricting OAuth application access and third-party integrations
• Configuring admin account security with Advanced Protection Program enrollment

Do not use for Microsoft 365 environments; Google Workspace has distinct admin console settings and API configurations that differ from Azure AD/Entra ID controls.

Prerequisites

• Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, or Enterprise Plus license
• Super Admin access to the Google Admin Console (admin.google.com)
• DNS management access for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC record configuration
• Google Cloud Identity or Cloud Identity Premium for advanced security features
• FIDO2 security keys for super admin accounts (YubiKey 5 Series recommended)

Workflow

Step 1: Harden Super Admin Accounts

Secure the highest-privilege accounts in the Google Workspace tenant:

# Google Workspace Admin SDK - configure admin account security
# Using gam (Google Apps Manager) CLI tool

# List all super admin accounts for audit
gam print admins role "Super Admin" > super_admins.csv
echo "Review and minimize super admin count (recommended: 2-3 maximum)"

# Enforce Advanced Protection Program for super admins
# APP provides strongest account protections:
# - Requires FIDO2 security key for sign-in
# - Blocks third-party app access to Gmail and Drive
# - Enhanced account recovery verification
gam update user superadmin@corp.com \
    advanced_protection true

# Create dedicated break-glass admin account
gam create user breakglass-admin@corp.com \
    firstname "Break" lastname "Glass Admin" \
    password "$(openssl rand -base64 32)" \
    changepassword true \
    org "/Emergency Accounts"

# Assign super admin role to break-glass account
gam create admin breakglass-admin@corp.com "Super Admin"

# Configure admin activity alerts
# Alert Center API - create alert for admin actions
cat > admin_alert_policy.json << 'EOF'
{
  "alertPolicies": [
    {
      "name": "Super Admin Sign-In Alert",
      "conditions": {
        "eventType": "login",
        "filterCriteria": "actor.adminRole=SUPER_ADMIN"
      },
      "notifications": {
        "email": ["security-team@corp.com"],
        "webhook": "https://siem.corp.com/webhook/google-admin"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Admin Role Change Alert",
      "conditions": {
        "eventType": "admin_role_change"
      },
      "notifications": {
        "email": ["security-team@corp.com"]
      }
    }
  ]
}
EOF

Step 2: Enforce Phishing-Resistant Multi-Factor Authentication

Configure MFA policies that eliminate phishable authentication factors:

# Enforce 2-Step Verification for all organizational units
# Using Admin SDK Directory API

# Enable 2SV enforcement for the entire organization
gam update org "/" settings \
    2sv_enforcement true \
    2sv_enrollment_grace_period 14 \
    2sv_new_user_enrollment_period 1

# Configure allowed 2SV methods - restrict to phishing-resistant only
# For high-security OUs: Security keys only
gam update org "/Executive" settings \
    2sv_allowed_methods "SECURITY_KEY_ONLY"

# For general staff: Security keys or phone prompts (no SMS/voice)
gam update org "/" settings \
    2sv_allowed_methods "SECURITY_KEY,PHONE_PROMPT" \
    2sv_disallowed_methods "SMS,VOICE_CALL,BACKUP_CODES"

# Bulk check 2SV enrollment status
gam print users \
    fields primaryEmail,isEnrolledIn2Sv,isEnforcedIn2Sv \
    query "isEnrolledIn2Sv=false" > users_without_2sv.csv

# Count users without 2SV
echo "Users without 2SV enrolled:"
wc -l < users_without_2sv.csv

# Configure context-aware access policies
# Require 2SV + managed device for sensitive apps
cat > context_aware_policy.json << 'EOF'
{
  "accessLevels": [
    {
      "name": "Managed Device Required",
      "conditions": {
        "devicePolicy": {
          "requireScreenLock": true,
          "requireAdminApproval": true,
          "allowedEncryptionStatuses": ["ENCRYPTED"],
          "requireCorpOwned": false
        },
        "requiredAccessLevels": ["VERIFIED_2SV"]
      }
    }
  ],
  "applicationPolicies": [
    {

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