19-7-2023 (CALIFORNIA) Google is set to launch a new pilot program that will restrict some of its employees to internet-free desktop PCs, as part of an effort to enhance cybersecurity and protect against potential cyberattacks. CNBC has learned about the initiative, which aims to reduce the risk of Google employees falling victim to sophisticated hacking attempts.
Originally, more than 2,500 employees were selected to participate in the program. However, following valuable feedback, Google decided to make the pilot program opt-out for employees, and it is now also open to volunteers. Under the program, selected desktops will have their internet access disabled, except for essential internal web-based tools and Google-owned websites like Google Drive and Gmail. Exceptions will be made for certain employees who require internet access for their job responsibilities.
Moreover, some participating employees will have their root access restricted, preventing them from running administrative commands or installing software on their workstations.
The primary motivation behind this program is to address the elevated risks faced by Googlers from cyberattacks. Internal materials obtained by CNBC state, “Googlers are frequent targets of attacks.” If a Google employee’s device is compromised, attackers may gain access to sensitive user data and infrastructure code, potentially leading to severe incidents that can erode user trust.
By significantly limiting internet access, the program seeks to prevent attackers from executing arbitrary code remotely or extracting data easily, as explained in the internal description.
This initiative arrives at a time when companies confront increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Recently, Microsoft disclosed a major breach, revealing that Chinese intelligence had hacked into email accounts belonging to two dozen government agencies, including the U.S. State Department and entities in Western Europe.
As Google gears up for a companywide rollout of various artificial intelligence tools, bolstering security measures becomes paramount. The company has also been stepping up efforts to contain leaks in recent months.
A Google spokesperson highlighted their commitment to product and user safety, stating, “Ensuring the safety of our products and users is one of our top priorities. We routinely explore ways to strengthen our internal systems against malicious attacks.”
