Google Workspace, the company's productivity and collaboration suite, is set to  receive a new client-side encryption feature that is hoped to boost security for customers of all sizes. 

The announcement is one of a handful of security upgrades for Google Workspace and Google Drive, designed to enhance data security in new hybrid work environments.

The lack of end-to-end encryption in Google Workspace has been a major source of criticism, with some businesses opting for less feature-rich alternatives that offer built-in encryption.

However, the addition of client-side encryption gives Google a chance to pitch itself to industries with regulations that mandate the use of end-to-end encryption, most notably finance and healthcare. 

The new encryption controls will be rolled out for beta testing in the coming weeks.

Google Workspace security

According to Google, the client-side encryption feature will first be rolled out for the most popular Workspace services, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. 

Google says the feature will be extended to Google Meet later in the fall, with some suggesting it will eventually make its way to Gmail as well.

Initially, the feature will reportedly enable Google Workspace users to store their encryption keys with one of four partners, namely Flowcrypt, Futurex, Thales or Virtru. 

Via VentureBeat