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Enhancing Google Workspace Security

By 30 May 2025June 3rd, 2025Articles, Digital Workplace
Article By: Mohamed Farhan
Published date : June 03, 2025
Enhancing Google Workspace Security:
How to Control Copy-Paste and Prevent Data Leaks with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

Introduction:

The Modern Data Security Challenge in SaaS Environments

For organizations that primarily use Microsoft 365 but also have Google Workspace for specific projects/clients or operating in a hybrid environment, maintaining consistent security controls presents a challenge. While Google Workspace offers its own security features, including granular copy-paste prevention through Chrome Enterprise Premium, managing two disparate systems with different users, locations, and devices can be complex. Although some organizations accept managing separate systems, the desire for a unified security approach remains. The question arises: can Microsoft’s security solutions be effectively integrated with Google Workspace to create a unified system capable of preventing actions like copy-pasting across browsers or unauthorized downloads in a hybrid setup?
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), offers solutions to the security challenges presented by Google Workspace (GWS). This section will explore how it achieves this.

What is Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps & How Does it Help Secure Google Workspace?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps (formerly Microsoft Cloud App Security or MCAS) is a comprehensive Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB). It provides organizations with visibility into their cloud app usage, robust data protection capabilities, and sophisticated threat detection across their cloud services. Its primary goal is to help organizations securely leverage the benefits of cloud applications while maintaining control over their data and protecting against cyber threats.

The “Why”: Benefits of Using Defender for Cloud Apps for GWS Data Control

  • Unified Control: Organizations aiming for unified control can minimize disparate systems.
  • Contextual Policies: Apply policies based on user, location, device compliance (especially for unmanaged devices), and potentially data sensitivity.
  • Preventing Data Exfiltration: Directly address risks like users copying sensitive information from a GWS app (like Docs, Sheets, Gmail) to a local clipboard on an unmanaged device.
  • Enhanced DLP: Augment Google’s native DLP or provide a centralized DLP strategy if your organization uses Microsoft security tools.
  • Auditability & Visibility: Gain detailed logs of user activities and policy enforcement within GWS sessions.
  • Step-by-Step Guide (Conceptual) to Implementing Copy-Paste Controls
  • Prerequisites:
    • Licensing for Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps.
    • Licensing for Microsoft Entra ID (P1 or P2).
    • Admin access to Microsoft Defender XDR/Cloud Apps portal and Google Workspace Admin console.
    • Entra ID as SSO Provider for Google Workspace.
  • Step 1: Connect Google Workspace to Defender for Cloud Apps
    • Ensure SSO is configured with Entra ID.
    • Go to Connected Apps > Connect an App > Select Google Workspace.
    • Name it (e.g., CUXName<>GWS).
    • Follow configuration instructions in Google Workspace (link provided).
    • Copy configuration data:
      • Service account ID
      • Project number (App ID)
      • P12 Certificate file
    • Enter the above in Defender portal’s Connected Apps screen.
    • Test the connection. It should show “Connected”.
    • Troubleshoot errors via provided link or contact Brio Technologies for setup assistance.
  • Step 2: Integrate with Microsoft Entra Conditional Access
    • Access Conditional Access Policies:
    • Name Your Policy: e.g., Route Google Workspace to Defender for Cloud Apps for Session Control.
    • Specify Assignments:
      • Users: Select a pilot group; exclude break-glass accounts.
      • Target resources:
        • Select Cloud apps.
        • Select your Google Workspace enterprise app.
    • Define Conditions (Optional):
      • Device platforms
      • Locations
      • Client apps
    • Configure Session Controls:
      • Access controls > Session
      • Enable Use Conditional Access App Control
      • Select Use custom policy…
      • Optionally select Monitor only for testing
    • Enable the Policy:
      • Start with Report-only mode.
      • Switch to On after testing.
    • Create (Save) the policy.
  • Step 3: Create a Session Policy in Defender for Cloud Apps
    • Go to Policies > Policy management.
    • Create a “Session policy”.
    • Policy Template/Type: Choose a template or build from scratch.
    • Activities matching all:
      • App: Google Workspace or specific GWS apps
      • Activity type: Cut/Copy/Paste, Clipboard actions, Print, Download
      • Device: Filter for unmanaged devices (optional)
      • User: Target specific groups (optional)
    • Actions:
      • Select Block or Monitor only
      • Customize block message
      • Send alert to admins
    • (Advanced) Content Inspection (Optional):
      • Apply controls based on sensitive information labels
  • Step 4: Test and Deploy
    • Test with pilot users/groups.
    • Monitor logs in Defender for Cloud Apps.
    • Roll out incrementally.
  • Use Case Examples:
    • Scenario 1: Block copy-paste on unmanaged devices.
    • Scenario 2: Prevent pasting into GWS from unmanaged devices.
    • Scenario 3: Allow copy-paste within GWS only.
    • Scenario 4: Audit all clipboard activity.
  • Key Considerations & Best Practices:
    • User Experience: Communicate clearly; use custom block messages.
    • Licensing: Ensure proper licenses are in place.
    • Phased Rollout: Start with “monitor only” mode.
    • Policy Granularity: Be specific; avoid overly broad policies.
    • Interoperability: Consider interaction with other DLP/security tools.
    • Regular Review: Monitor and adjust policies as needed.
  • Conclusion:
    • Defender for Cloud Apps enables powerful GWS data control.
    • Essential for a defense-in-depth strategy.
    • Encourage exploring these capabilities for better security posture.

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