implementing-google-workspace-admin-security

name	implementing-google-workspace-admin-security
description	Hardens a Google Workspace tenant via Admin Console configuration: phishing-resistant MFA enforcement, DLP policies, email authentication (SPF/DKIM/DMARC), OAuth third-party app control, and external sharing restrictions. Use when hardening a Google Workspace or G Suite tenant, enforcing MFA and OAuth app controls, or configuring cloud office security administration.
domain	cybersecurity
subdomain	identity-access-management
tags	["Google-Workspace","admin-security","MFA","DMARC","DLP","OAuth","cloud-security"]
version	1.0
author	mahipal
license	Apache-2.0
nist_csf	["PR.AA-01","PR.AA-02","PR.AA-05","PR.AA-06"]
mitre_attack	["T1078","T1110","T1556","T1098","T1566"]
mitre_f3	{"version":"1.1","tactics":["initial-access","stealth","positioning"],"techniques":[{"id":"T1660","name":"Phishing","tactic":"initial-access","source":"attack"},{"id":"F1006","name":"Account Takeover","tactic":"initial-access","source":"f3"},{"id":"T1672","name":"Email Spoofing","tactic":"stealth","source":"attack"},{"id":"T1550.001","name":"Use Alternate Authentication Material: Application Access Token","tactic":"initial-access","source":"attack"},{"id":"F1005","name":"Account Manipulation","tactic":"positioning","source":"f3"}]}

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 [e-mail] \
    advanced_protection true

# Create dedicated break-glass admin account
gam create user [e-mail] \
    firstname "Break" lastname "Glass Admin" \
    password "" \
    changepassword  \
    org 


gam create admin [e-mail] 



 > admin_alert_policy.json << 
{
  : [
    {
      : ,
      : {
        : ,
        : 
      },
      : {
        : [],
        : 
      }
    },
    {
      : ,
      : {
        : 
      },
      : {
        : []
      }
    }
  ]
}
EOF