Windows 10 is a great OS (as evidenced by its popularity among individual and business users), but it still needs refining in some areas. Security, for instance, is an aspect that must be carefully considered, as ill-intentioned actors continue to find and exploit new vulnerabilities. This can lead to phishing and ransomware attacks, confidential data leaks, and more. Sadly, there is no one way to fully ensure your devices’ security (especially as a company or organisation). But, Google Workspace users now have access to an easy to use solution that will help improve security and make it more difficult for third parties to snoop in. As such, today we’ll talk a bit about the main threats that lurk in the shadows for unsecured Windows 10 systems and how to use Google Workspace & 2-step verification for increased security and safety.

The Main Problems

From our experience in the field, many companies & organisations don’t implement a centralised approach when it comes to their devices. As such, if a device is lost or stolen, it will be very difficult to retrieve data from said device and block anyone using it from accessing the data and even your network (if the employees use automatic login systems). A centralized management system of your IT devices is more difficult to breach since most users don’t have access to sensitive information. Once you’ve identified the problematic units, you just shut down their access to the system and assess the losses. Employees who work from home can also be an entry point for ill-intended actors, especially if they use their personal devices and accounts. Not to mention that password security is quite poor on most devices (personal or for business use). All these together (and more) create the perfect path for cybercriminals to interfere with your activity. Whether they hold your data hostage (ransomware attacks) or infect your devices to snoop in (phishing attacks), your reputation and profitability are at risk.

The Easy to Implement Solution

Google created the Google Workspace Enhanced Security for Windows 10 devices, which allows users to use SSO (Single Sign-On) with their Google Workspace email account. Furthermore, if you have 2-step verification (2SV) on your Google Workspace account, this process allows you to use it on your Windows 10 devices as well. As a result, your devices’ security level will be increased and you also benefit from Google’s anti-hijacking and suspicious login detection technologies. Note: If you want to know more about this method and what it does for your Windows 10 devices, make sure to check our detailed YouTube guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvjCZton23w

Other Solutions for Google Workspace Users

If you’re a Google Workspace Enterprise or a Google Workspace Enterprise for Education user you have access to a few more security settings. For instance, you can manage Windows 10 updates on all devices affiliated with a Google Workspace account. This way, it’s easier to make sure your systems are secure and up to date. In addition, you can wipe the data remotely (in case the device has been stolen or compromised) or you can push out configuration updates and settings to make sure the device is up to standards. In order to make the most out of the Google Workspace Enhanced Security for Windows 10 devices, make sure to check our video tutorial (mentioned above). We describe the process in a step-by-step manner, so you don’t need advanced tech knowledge to implement it in your organisation. Some of our recommendations include:

• Enable Windows device management
• Account settings is set as a standard user
• Windows updates settings: Auto install and notify before restart
• BitLocker settings: Enabled
  • Require fixed drives to be encrypted before write access is granted: Enabled
• Custom Settings: Disable USB drives and SD cards

If you want to know more about improving your business or organisation IT security, make sure to get in touch with our team to get expert advice and help with implementation!