Google introduced a new feature in Workspace, which requires multiple admins to approve high-risk setting changes to prevent unauthorized modifications. This development reduces the chance of security breaches.
Google Workspace, formerly known as G-Suite, is a comprehensive suite of cloud-based tools meant for improving productivity and collaboration. Services include Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Google Meet, and Google Calendar. It’s a complete package that enhances all business operations and helps educational institutions.
This new feature, called “multi-party approvals,” was announced in August. It enabled admins to check and approve sensitive modifications made by other admins.
Google has invented the approval request system so that it does not end up overburdening admins and increasing their workloads while also making sure isolated or individual decision-making can be prevented.
The multi-party approval feature, acting as an additional protective layer, prevents accidental changes from occurring in the admin console. This feature is designed with user convenience in mind, as the action is automated, and the requester does not need to take any additional steps, ensuring a seamless experience for admins.
Owing to this latest development, hackers who have hijacked a super admin account will no longer be able to perform any action that could have otherwise compromised the entire Workspace without needing another admin to sign off on the change. Overall, the main motive behind launching this feature was to prevent any harmful actions by legitimate admins that could compromise Workspace’s or its users’ security.
This is how it works: The approval requests are first emailed to super admins. They can be viewed and approved directly from the admin console. However, they need to be approved within 72 hours of being sent, or else they will expire. After the action is approved, the change is executed automatically. It does not require the admin who requested the action to take further action.
The multi-party approval feature will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks. To activate this feature, users with two or more super admin accounts can navigate to the Security option and select the multi-party approval settings. It’s important to note that the multi-party approval will be turned OFF by default, but users will have the choice to enable it.
