🚨 Google Workspace Isn’t Secure by Default — Here’s How to Fix It Before Hackers Thank You
Small businesses are getting hammered by email‑based attacks, and the numbers aren’t subtle about it. Business Email Compromise (BEC) remains one of the most financially devastating cyber threats, and the trend is only getting worse. In 2025, BEC losses climbed again, with small businesses experiencing a sharp rise in targeted impersonation attempts, invoice fraud, and account‑takeover‑driven payment redirection. Early 2026 reporting shows the same pattern: attackers are doubling down on email because it still works frighteningly well.
Email continues to be the primary attack vector for one simple reason — it’s where your money, approvals, and trust live. And if you’re a small business running Google Workspace, attackers see you as a low‑friction, high‑reward target. Let’s fix that.
🧨 Why Email Is Still the #1 Way Hackers Wreck Small Businesses
Email remains the easiest way for attackers to sneak into your environment because:
It’s where financial workflows happen
It’s where users trust what “looks legitimate”
It’s cheap and scalable for attackers
It bypasses many traditional security controls
BEC attacks surged again in 2025, with small organizations reporting a significant increase in impersonation attempts and vendor‑fraud‑style phishing. Early 2026 threat intelligence shows attackers using more AI‑generated phishing emails, more convincing spoofed domains, and more compromised third‑party accounts to slip past defenses.
Small businesses are especially vulnerable because:
They rely heavily on email for approvals and payments
They often lack dedicated security staff
They assume Google Workspace is “secure enough” out of the box (spoiler: it’s not)
🎭 Why Spoofing & Phishing Still Crush Google Workspace Users
Google Workspace is powerful, but attackers know exactly where the cracks are:
1. Domain Spoofing
If your domain isn’t properly authenticated, attackers can send emails pretending to be you — and your customers, vendors, and employees will fall for it.
2. Misconfigured Authentication
SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are the holy trinity of email authentication.
If they’re missing or misconfigured, attackers can impersonate your domain with ease.
3. Default Configuration Gaps
Google Workspace defaults prioritize usability, not security.
Translation: “We’ll keep things open and convenient until you lock them down yourself.”
4. Evolving Attack Methods
Attackers now use AI‑written phishing emails, deepfake invoices, and compromised vendor accounts.
Your users don’t stand a chance without layered defenses.
🛡️ Quick, High‑Impact Ways to Strengthen Your Google Workspace Security
These steps are fast, effective, and absolutely essential for small businesses.
1. Turn On Google’s Enhanced Pre‑Delivery Scanning
Google offers advanced scanning for malware, suspicious links, spoofing attempts, and known phishing patterns.
If you haven’t enabled it, you’re basically telling attackers, “Come on in — the door’s open.”
2. Configure SPF, DKIM & DMARC (Correctly!)
These three settings authenticate your domain and prevent spoofing.
SPF: Defines who can send email on your behalf
DKIM: Cryptographically signs your messages
DMARC: Tells receiving servers what to do with suspicious mail
If you don’t have DMARC set to at least quarantine, you’re leaving your domain wide open for impersonation.
3. Enable “Apply Future Recommended Settings Automatically”
This one is criminally underrated.
Google regularly rolls out new security features — but they don’t magically turn on unless you check this box.
Turn it on and let Google do some of the heavy lifting for you.
4. Enforce Strong MFA for All Accounts (No SMS Allowed)
SMS MFA is better than nothing, but attackers can:
SIM‑swap
Intercept text messages
Social‑engineer carriers
Use app‑based MFA or hardware keys.
If a user complains, remind them that being hacked is way more inconvenient.
5. Disable POP & IMAP for Everyone
POP and IMAP are outdated protocols that bypass many modern security controls.
If your users don’t need them (and they don’t), turn them off.
6. Require Admin Approval for Unconfigured Third‑Party Apps
Google Workspace users love clicking “Allow” on random apps.
Don’t let them.
Require admin approval for any third‑party app that wants access to Workspace data.
This stops shadow IT and prevents accidental data exposure.
7. Follow Google’s Official Small‑Business Security Recommendations
Google provides a solid checklist for small businesses, including:
Account recovery protections
Admin role restrictions
Device management basics
Data protection settings
You can find their full guidance here:
https://support.google.com/a/answer/9211704?hl=en&ref_topic=7559287&sjid=15689923696692443708-NA
🎓 Don’t Forget the Human Firewall: User Awareness Training
You can lock down every setting in Google Workspace, but if Bob in Accounting clicks the “You Won a Ferrari!” link, you’re still toast.
Small businesses should invest in:
1. Phishing Awareness Training
Teach users how to spot:
Suspicious links
Fake invoices
“Urgent” requests
Unexpected password resets
2. Quarterly Phishing Simulations
A platform like KnowBe4 keeps users sharp with real‑world phishing tests.
3. Real‑Time Teaching Moments
When a user clicks something they shouldn’t, immediate feedback helps them learn — and prevents repeat mistakes.
🚀 Want a Deeper Dive? Actionable Security Has You Covered.
If you want to go beyond the basics and get a comprehensive, expert‑led review of your Google Workspace environment, our Google Workspace Email Security Assessment is built for small businesses like yours.
It uncovers:
Misconfigurations
Authentication gaps
Risky user behaviors
Weak policies
Hidden vulnerabilities
And it gives you a clear, prioritized roadmap to strengthen your defenses fast.
👉 Learn more: https://actionablesec.com/email
If you’re serious about protecting your business — and avoiding becoming another BEC statistic — reach out. We’ll help you lock things down before attackers even get a chance.
