Google Endpoint: Device Management in Google Workspace

What Google Endpoint Management is

Google Endpoint Management refers to Google Workspace capabilities designed to help organizations manage devices that access business information and services.

It can help administrators oversee employee devices and apply certain security policies from the Google Workspace environment.

What it can be used for

Endpoint management can support tasks such as:

• Managing devices that access business accounts.
• Applying certain security policies.
• Reviewing devices associated with users.
• Controlling access according to available capabilities.
• Managing mobile devices.
• Managing certain corporate computers.
• Reducing risks associated with lost or unauthorized devices.

Available capabilities depend on the Google Workspace edition, device, and organizational configuration.

What an endpoint is

In security and IT administration, an endpoint is a device that connects to an organization's resources.

Examples include:

• Laptops.
• Desktop computers.
• Phones.
• Tablets.
• Other supported devices.

Every device accessing business information can become a security risk if it is not properly managed.

Personal and corporate devices

Many organizations use both company-owned and employee-owned devices.

These scenarios have different requirements.

Corporate devices may be subject to stricter controls.

On personal devices, businesses should balance security with user privacy and apply only the controls that are necessary under company policy and available technical capabilities.

Centralized management

One advantage of Google Workspace endpoint capabilities is the ability to centralize part of device administration.

Administrators can review device-related information through the appropriate console and apply controls available in their environment.

This reduces reliance on every user configuring security manually.

Access to Google Workspace

Devices may access services such as:

• Gmail.
• Google Drive.
• Google Calendar.
• Google Chat.
• Google Meet.
• Google Docs.
• Google Sheets.

When these services contain business information, organizations should define which devices and users are allowed access.

Device security

A device policy may include measures such as:

• Screen locks.
• Passwords or PINs.
• Updates.
• Identity verification.
• Encryption where appropriate.
• Access restrictions.
• Removing access when a device is no longer used.

Specific requirements should reflect the organization's risk level.

Lost or stolen devices

A lost phone or laptop can create significant risk if business sessions remain active.

Organizations should have a response procedure.

For example:

1. The employee reports the loss.

2. An administrator identifies the device.

3. Active sessions are reviewed.

4. Available actions are taken to protect the account.

5. Credentials are updated if necessary.

6. The incident is documented.

Fast response can reduce potential impact.

Employee offboarding

Device administration should be part of the offboarding process.

When a person leaves the organization, review:

• Google Workspace account.
• Associated devices.
• Active sessions.
• Access.
• Applications.
• Shared resources.

This complements actions performed in Google Admin.

Employee onboarding

Endpoint management can also be part of onboarding.

A basic process may include:

• Creating the account.
• Configuring authentication.
• Registering or authorizing devices where appropriate.
• Applying policies.
• Explaining security requirements.
• Verifying access to required services.

BYOD

BYOD means Bring Your Own Device.

It can be convenient, but it also creates security and privacy challenges.

Organizations should define:

• Which devices are permitted.
• What information may be stored.
• Which controls apply.
• What happens when an employee leaves.
• What support is provided.
• How user privacy is protected.

Access policies

Not every user and device needs the same level of access.

For example:

• Administrators may need stricter controls.
• Temporary users may require limited access.
• Untrusted devices may need restrictions.
• Managed corporate devices may receive different permissions.

Controls should be proportional to risk.

Endpoint and Google Admin

Endpoint management is closely connected to Google Admin.

The administrative environment can manage users, organizational units, settings, and policies associated with the organization.

A clear user and group structure makes device management easier.

Two-step verification

Device management should be complemented by strong authentication.

Two-step verification can reduce unauthorized access if a password is compromised.

Administrator accounts deserve particular attention.

Principle of least privilege

Users should access only the information and services required for their jobs.

The same idea can be applied to devices.

A device used for a limited task does not necessarily need access to every business resource.

Updates

Outdated systems may contain known vulnerabilities.

Basic policy should encourage:

• Updated operating systems.
• Updated browsers.
• Updated applications.
• Removal of unnecessary software.
• Review of devices that no longer receive security support.

Browsers

A large amount of Google Workspace activity occurs through the browser.

Organizations should consider:

• Browser versions.
• Installed extensions.
• Active sessions.
• Profiles.
• Corporate policies where appropriate.

Unknown or unnecessary browser extensions may introduce risk.

Mobile devices

Phones increasingly contain business information.

They may access:

• Email.
• Files.
• Chat.
• Calendar.
• Contacts.
• Business applications.

Mobile devices should therefore be included in the security strategy.

Information separation

When personal devices are used, businesses should reduce unnecessary mixing between personal and business information.

Available capabilities may help manage certain data or profiles depending on the operating system and Workspace edition.

Third-party access

Contractors and suppliers may require temporary access.

Organizations should define:

• Access duration.
• Authorized services.
• Permitted devices.
• Internal owner.
• Review date.
• Offboarding process.

Temporary access should not automatically become permanent.

Inventory

A business should understand which devices have access to important information.

An inventory may include:

• User.
• Device type.
• Ownership.
• Status.
• Operating system.
• Enrollment date.
• Last review.

The inventory does not always need to be complex, but visibility is important.

Open-session risk

Even a protected device can be risky if business sessions remain open.

Users should:

• Lock devices when stepping away.
• Avoid sharing sessions.
• Sign out on public devices.
• Report lost devices.
• Avoid storing credentials insecurely.

Endpoint security checklist

• Authorized devices are identified.
• Users use appropriate authentication.
• Administrator accounts have stronger controls.
• A lost-device procedure exists.
• Offboarding includes device review.
• Systems remain updated.
• Temporary access expires.
• BYOD policies are defined.
• Administrators periodically review devices and access.

Google Endpoint for small businesses

Small businesses can also benefit from basic device administration.

Even a small team may handle important information through laptops and phones.

A simple policy can help prevent situations such as:

• Former employees retaining access.
• Old devices remaining authorized.
• Weak passwords.
• Lost devices with active sessions.
• Third-party access that was never removed.

Endpoint Management does not replace a complete security strategy

Device management is only one part of security.

Businesses should also consider:

• Identity.
• Passwords.
• Authentication.
• Backups.
• Information protection.
• Training.
• Updates.
• Incident management.

Security is strongest when these controls work together.

Conclusion

Google Endpoint Management can help organizations using Google Workspace manage devices and reduce risks related to business information access.

Implementation should combine clear policies, strong authentication, user administration, and periodic reviews.

Read our Google Workspace for business guide.