Google for Work Gets Security Boost with New Tools

These tools help you tighten the security on your Google for Work accounts. Credit: Google

If you use Google apps for work, two new online tools can help you make sure your accounts are secure. The first is the new Devices and Activity dashboard, which gives you a rundown of all the devices that have accessed your Google for Work account in the last 28 days. That way, you can quickly see whether any unauthorized devices have logged in to a company account. And if any suspicious activity is noticed — say, an unknown login in a different country, or a sudden influx of logins on new devices — you'll be alerted automatically and prompted to change your password or security settings.

The second new Google for Work tool is called the Security Wizard, which helps you set up new work accounts or ensure that existing accounts have been optimally secured. It works by guiding you through the steps to turn on or adjust security features, such as providing contact info for account recovery, or reviewing account permissions. It takes just a few minutes, and your employees can do it themselves, saving you time.

If you're not familiar with Google for Work, it's a solid all-in-one platform for small businesses that don't have much of an IT budget. Subscriptions include software to create, edit and collaborate on documents in real time; cloud storage with unlimited space; a good videoconferencing app; shared calendars, so you can schedule appointments and meetings; and tools for tracking sales.