Google Workspace Audit for Small Businesses
For businesses running Google Workspace but unsure if it's configured correctly.
What Does a Google Workspace Audit From SNL-Tech Services Include?
A Google Workspace Audit from SNL-Tech Services provides a documented review of how your Google Workspace environment is currently configured, secured and managed. The assessment looks beyond whether Gmail, Drive and the other Google services are simply working and examines whether the environment is configured appropriately for the way your business actually operates.
SNL-Tech Services reviews areas such as user and administrative access, multifactor authentication, Gmail security, Google Drive and shared file permissions, external sharing, mobile and endpoint management, security settings, data protection and other controls available within your Google Workspace edition.
The review also considers whether administrative access is appropriately limited, whether former or unused accounts remain active, how company information is being shared and whether security capabilities included with your current Google Workspace licensing are actually being used.
The assessment is designed to identify security gaps, configuration issues, unused capabilities and areas where the Google Workspace environment may no longer match the needs of the business.
You receive findings in plain language along with recommendations that SNL-Tech Services would prioritize based on the business, its Google Workspace edition and the environment reviewed.
What Can Go Wrong Without a Google Workspace Audit?
Google Workspace can appear to be working normally even when important security, access and sharing settings have never been reviewed. Over time, users are added, employees leave, files are shared externally, devices change and new Google Workspace features become available. Without periodic review, the environment can gradually drift away from how the business actually needs it to operate.
SNL-Tech Services may find issues such as multifactor authentication that is not consistently enforced, administrative access that is broader than necessary, external sharing that is too permissive, Gmail forwarding rules that deserve review, unmanaged devices accessing company information or security capabilities included with the current Google Workspace edition that are not being used.
The review may also identify inactive accounts, unclear ownership of important files or shared drives, data retention settings that have never been evaluated, or limited visibility into activity that would be useful during an investigation.
These findings do not automatically mean the Google Workspace environment has been compromised. They mean the business may be relying on Google Workspace without having a clear understanding of how its security, access and data controls are currently configured.
A Google Workspace Audit from SNL-Tech Services helps establish that picture so the business can see what is working, what may need attention and which improvements should be prioritized.
Who Is a Google Workspace Audit For?
A Google Workspace Audit is a good fit for small businesses that already use Google Workspace but are unsure whether the environment has been configured and maintained appropriately.
It can be especially useful for businesses that originally configured Google Workspace themselves, inherited the environment from a previous employee or IT provider, have grown without reviewing their original settings, are preparing for a cyber insurance application or renewal, or simply want an independent review of their existing Google Workspace environment.
The assessment can also help businesses with industry, customer or contractual requirements gain a clearer understanding of the technical controls currently configured within Google Workspace.
If your business has experienced suspicious sign in activity, an email security incident, inappropriate file sharing or another close call, a Google Workspace Audit can also help identify configuration areas that deserve additional attention.
What Does SNL-Tech Services Review During a Google Workspace Audit?
Gmail and Email Security
Email is one of the most important parts of a Google Workspace environment, so SNL-Tech Services reviews how Gmail and the business domain are configured to protect users and company communications.
The review looks at authentication and account protections, suspicious or unnecessary forwarding rules, external mail handling, spam and phishing protections, attachment handling and other Gmail security settings available within the business's Google Workspace edition.
SNL-Tech Services also reviews the configuration of SPF, DKIM and DMARC for the business domain. These controls help receiving mail systems verify legitimate messages and reduce the ability for someone to impersonate the business domain through email.
The goal is to understand what protections are actually in place and identify areas where the current email configuration may deserve additional attention. Google continues to recommend SPF, DKIM and DMARC as important email authentication controls.
Identity, Administrative Access and Sign In Security
Google Workspace security begins with the accounts used to access it. SNL-Tech Services reviews how users and administrators sign in, who has elevated administrative privileges and whether important account protections are being used appropriately.
This includes reviewing 2 Step Verification requirements, administrator roles, recovery and account security settings, inactive or unnecessary accounts and other sign in controls available within the environment.
Administrative access receives particular attention because administrator accounts can make organization wide changes and access sensitive configuration information.
The purpose is to determine whether access is appropriately limited and whether stronger protections should be considered for accounts with elevated privileges.
Third Party Applications and OAuth Access
Employees can connect outside applications to Google Workspace using their Google accounts, sometimes giving those applications access to Gmail, Drive, Calendar, contacts or other company information.
SNL-Tech Services reviews third party application access and OAuth permissions to identify applications that have been authorized to interact with Google Workspace data.
The review considers whether connected applications are still needed, whether their access appears appropriate for the business and whether additional restrictions or administrative controls should be considered.
This can be particularly important in businesses where employees have been allowed to connect applications over several years without a formal review process.
Google Drive, Shared Drives and External Sharing
Google Drive makes it easy to collaborate, but permissions and sharing can become difficult to understand as a business grows.
SNL-Tech Services reviews Google Drive and Shared drive configuration, external sharing settings, guest access, file and folder permissions and the ways employees share information with clients, vendors and other outside parties
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The assessment also considers whether business information is being stored in appropriate locations, whether important company files depend on individual user accounts and whether Shared drives are being used effectively for information that belongs to the organization rather than an individual employee.
Google Workspace allows administrators to control external sharing and Shared drive access, including restrictions at the organizational level, so these settings can be an important part of understanding who can reach company information.
Data Protection, Retention and Google Vault
Google Workspace includes data protection and retention capabilities, but the features available depend on the organization's edition and services.
Where applicable, SNL-Tech Services reviews existing retention settings, Google Vault configuration, data loss prevention controls and other policies used to manage how business information is stored, retained and handled.
The review also looks for situations where retention settings have never been evaluated, where important business information may depend on individual accounts or where the organization's current technical configuration may not match its documented requirements.
SNL-Tech Services does not determine how long a business is legally required to retain information or certify regulatory compliance. When legal, contractual or regulatory retention requirements apply, those requirements should be established with the appropriate legal or compliance professionals.
Audit Logs, Alerts and Security Visibility
When a security or operational issue occurs, the ability to understand what happened can be just as important as the controls intended to prevent it.
SNL-Tech Services reviews the audit, sign in, administrator, Gmail, Drive and other activity information available within the organization's Google Workspace edition. The assessment also considers security alerts and investigation capabilities that may be available.
The goal is to determine what visibility the business currently has into important account and administrative activity and whether the available logging and alerting capabilities are being used appropriately.
The amount of historical information and the investigation tools available can vary by Google Workspace edition, so the audit evaluates the capabilities that actually exist in the customer's environment rather than assuming every tenant has the same functionality.
Device and Endpoint Access
Employees may access Google Workspace from company computers, personal computers, phones, tablets and other devices. That makes device access an important part of understanding the overall environment.
Where supported by the organization's Google Workspace edition and configuration, SNL-Tech Services reviews endpoint and mobile management settings, device visibility, access controls and whether the business can identify devices connecting to company resources.
The assessment can also identify situations where unmanaged or personal devices are accessing company information without the business having a clear policy or technical control in place.
Google's Endpoint Verification capabilities can provide administrators with device information and can be used with access controls based on device security status and other attributes when supported by the environment.
Google Workspace Licensing and Feature Alignment
Different Google Workspace editions include different security, management, retention and investigation capabilities. A business may be paying for features it is not using, or it may assume a particular security feature is included when it is not.
SNL-Tech Services reviews the Google Workspace edition and relevant services currently in use and compares those capabilities with the way the business is operating.
The goal is not automatically to recommend more expensive licensing. It is to identify capabilities the business already has but may not be using, limitations of the current edition and areas where a licensing decision may need to be considered before a particular technical control can be implemented.
Gemini and AI Related Workspace Settings
If Gemini or other Google AI capabilities are enabled within the organization's Workspace environment, SNL-Tech Services also reviews the relevant administrative settings as part of understanding the tenant's overall configuration.
This can include whether employees have access to Gemini, how Workspace data can be accessed by AI features and whether available administrative restrictions match the way the business intends employees to use those tools.
This portion of the audit is focused on the Google Workspace configuration itself. Businesses that need a broader review of employee AI use, acceptable use policies, outside AI accounts, data handling and AI governance can address those areas separately through an AI Governance Assessment from SNL-Tech Services.
Cyber Insurance and Compliance Related Considerations
Google Workspace technical controls may be relevant during cyber insurance applications, customer security reviews and compliance related assessments.
SNL-Tech Services reviews technical areas that may support those conversations, including multifactor authentication, administrator access, email security, device management, external sharing, logging and data protection controls.
The assessment can help document what is actually configured and identify technical areas that may require additional attention. It does not determine cyber insurance eligibility, coverage, premiums or claims decisions, and it does not certify that the business complies with a particular law, regulation or contractual requirement.
What You Get From a Google Workspace Audit From SNL-Tech Services
Written Google Workspace Audit Report
A documented review of your Google Workspace environment that explains the configuration areas reviewed, key findings, identified gaps and recommendations from SNL-Tech Services.
Executive Summary
A plain language overview for business owners and decision makers that explains what appears to be working well, what needs attention and which Google Workspace improvements should be prioritized.
Detailed Configuration Review
Documentation of the Google Workspace areas reviewed, including Gmail security, user and administrative access, 2 Step Verification, Google Drive and Shared drives, external sharing, third party application access, endpoint management, retention, logging and other relevant settings based on the services and Google Workspace edition in use.
Gap Analysis
Identified security, configuration, access, data handling and documentation gaps, along with an explanation of why each finding matters to the business.
Prioritized Action Plan
A sequenced list of recommended improvements so you can see what should be addressed first, what can be planned for later and where additional investigation or configuration work may be needed.
Google Workspace Licensing and Feature Findings
Documentation of capabilities available through your current Google Workspace edition, including features that may already be available but are not configured, as well as limitations that could affect future security or management decisions.
Cyber Insurance and Compliance Related Findings
Documentation of technical controls that may be relevant to cyber insurance applications, customer security reviews or compliance related work, including authentication, administrative access, email security, sharing, device controls and logging where applicable.
SNL-Tech Services does not determine insurance eligibility, coverage or legal compliance, but the findings can help the business understand and document the technical controls that are actually in place.
Review Call With SNL-Tech Services
A 30 minute consultation to walk through the findings, answer questions and discuss practical next steps. This gives you an opportunity to understand why particular findings matter rather than receiving a technical report without explanation.
Pricing
Starting at $995
Pricing is based on the size and complexity of the Google Workspace environment, number of users, Google Workspace edition, services in use and the scope of the review.
A smaller environment using primarily Gmail and Drive may require a different level of review than a larger organization using Shared drives, endpoint management, Google Vault, advanced security controls, third party applications and multiple administrative roles.
The scope and final price are confirmed before the audit begins, so you know what will be reviewed and what the engagement will cost.
Timeline
Most Google Workspace Audits are completed within 1 to 2 weeks after the required administrative access and requested information are available.
Timing may vary based on the number of users, Google Workspace edition, services being used, complexity of sharing and permissions, third party application access and the amount of configuration that needs to be reviewed.
During the audit, SNL-Tech Services reviews the agreed areas of the Google Workspace environment, documents the findings and develops the prioritized action plan.
Once the audit is complete, you receive the written documentation and a 30 minute review call with SNL-Tech Services to walk through the findings, answer questions and discuss next steps.
What Happens After a Google Workspace Audit From SNL-Tech Services?
Once the audit is complete, the documentation is yours to use in the way that best supports your business.
You can use the findings to:
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Plan and prioritize Google Workspace improvements
Use the action plan to decide which security, access, sharing or management changes should receive attention first. -
Work with your existing IT provider
Share the report with the company or person that currently manages your Google Workspace environment and use the findings to guide future improvements. -
Support cyber insurance preparation or renewal discussions
Use the documentation to better understand and describe technical controls that may be relevant to questions asked by your broker or insurance carrier. -
Support future security or compliance related planning
The findings can provide technical documentation that may be useful when working with compliance professionals, legal counsel, customers or other advisers. -
Have SNL-Tech Services assist with implementation
If you would like help addressing the recommendations, SNL-Tech Services can scope the remediation or configuration work separately.
The Google Workspace Audit stands on its own. There is no requirement to hire SNL-Tech Services for remediation, ongoing support or Managed IT Services after the audit is complete.
Google Workspace Audit FAQs
What is the difference between a Google Workspace Audit and ongoing Google Workspace management?
A Google Workspace Audit is a standalone review of how your environment is currently configured, secured and managed. SNL-Tech Services documents the findings and provides prioritized recommendations.
Ongoing management is different. It may include user administration, security changes, device management, licensing oversight, account reviews and continued support.
You do not need to become a Managed IT client to purchase the audit.
Do I need a specific Google Workspace edition for the audit?
No. SNL-Tech Services can review the Google Workspace edition and services you currently use.
Part of the audit is understanding which security, management, retention and investigation capabilities are available in your current edition, which features are already configured and where licensing may limit certain controls.
The audit does not automatically mean you need to move to a more expensive Google Workspace edition.
Will SNL-Tech Services need administrator access to Google Workspace?
Administrative access is typically needed to properly review the environment, but the exact level of access depends on the services and areas included in the audit.
SNL-Tech Services will identify the access needed before the review begins and can discuss appropriate ways to provide temporary or limited administrative access where possible.
Does a Google Workspace Audit mean my environment is insecure?
No. The purpose of the audit is to establish a clear picture of how Google Workspace is currently configured.
The review may identify security or management gaps, but it can also confirm controls that are already working appropriately. The goal is to document the current state and identify where attention may be useful.
Does the audit review Gmail security?
Yes. Gmail security is an important part of the Google Workspace Audit.
SNL-Tech Services reviews relevant email security settings, account protections, forwarding rules, external mail handling and domain authentication such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC, along with other controls available within the organization's Google Workspace edition.
Does the audit review Google Drive and Shared drives?
Yes. The review can include Google Drive, Shared drives, external sharing, guest access, permissions and how business information is being stored and shared.
This can help identify situations where company information is broadly shared, depends on individual user accounts or may not be organized in the most appropriate location for the business.
Does the audit review third party applications connected to Google Workspace?
Yes. Where applicable, SNL-Tech Services reviews third party and OAuth application access to help identify applications that have been authorized to interact with Google Workspace data.
The goal is to understand what applications have access, whether that access is still needed and whether additional restrictions should be considered.
Can the audit include Google Vault, retention and data protection settings?
Yes, when those capabilities are available within the organization's Google Workspace edition and are relevant to the scope of the audit.
SNL-Tech Services can review existing retention, Vault and data protection settings and identify areas that may need further attention. The audit does not determine legal retention requirements or certify compliance.
Can the audit help with cyber insurance?
The audit can help document technical controls that may be relevant during cyber insurance applications or renewals, such as multifactor authentication, administrator access, email security, device controls, external sharing and logging.
SNL-Tech Services does not determine insurance eligibility, coverage, premiums or claim decisions. Those decisions remain with the insurer, broker or other insurance professional.
What if I already have an IT provider managing Google Workspace?
That is fine. The audit can provide an independent review of the environment and documentation you can use when discussing findings with your existing IT provider.
There is no requirement to move your Google Workspace management to SNL-Tech Services after the audit.
Will SNL-Tech Services make changes during the audit?
The Google Workspace Audit is primarily a review and documentation service. Configuration changes or remediation are not automatically included unless they are specifically added to the scope.
If important issues are identified, SNL-Tech Services can explain the findings and discuss options for addressing them.
How long does a Google Workspace Audit take?
Most Google Workspace Audits are completed within approximately one to two weeks after the required access and information are available.
Timing can vary based on the number of users, Google Workspace edition, services being used, sharing complexity, third party integrations and the overall environment.
What happens after the Google Workspace Audit is complete?
You receive the written audit documentation, findings and prioritized action plan, followed by a review with SNL-Tech Services to discuss the results and answer questions.
The documentation belongs to your business and can be used for internal planning, Google Workspace improvements, cyber insurance preparation, compliance related work, conversations with your current IT provider or future work with SNL-Tech Services.