Are You Aware of These Data Protection Blind Spots in Google Workspace?

The modern workplace has transformed dramatically in recent years, with hybrid work becoming the new normal. Businesses are increasingly turning to cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms to power seamless collaboration and flexible operations. Google Workspace has become a pivotal player in this SaaS shift, with its all-in-one suite of email, cloud storage and collaboration tools redefining collaboration and productivity. According to The State of SaaS Backup and Recovery Report 2025, Google Workspace has seen a consistent rise in its adoption in recent years, climbing to 35% in 2025 compared to 25% in 2022.

Despite this popularity, a critical misconception lingers among organizations regarding the protection of their Google Workspace data. Many consider their Google Workspace data to be fully secure by default, which stems from a misunderstanding of the shared responsibility model (SRM) of cloud security. The SRM is a security framework that divides responsibilities between the cloud provider and its users. In Google Workspace’s case, while Google secures the infrastructure and applications, users are accountable for managing and securing their data, leaving a significant gap in security that many fail to recognize.

To help organizations navigate these risks, we’ve created an infographic titled “Data Protection Blind Spots in Google Workspace” that highlights the common blind spots in Google Workspace data protection. If left unaddressed, these vulnerabilities can lead to disastrous data loss and operational downtime. In this blog, we’ll discuss those blind spots and offer insights into how Backupify can help organizations secure their business-critical data effectively.

What are the common blind spots in Google Workspace data protection?

To ensure comprehensive protection of your business-critical data, it’s crucial to understand the most common causes and dangers of SaaS data loss. Let’s explore these scenarios and uncover the risks that businesses must address to secure their valuable information in Google Workspace.

Human error: The leading cause of SaaS data loss

Human error remains the single most significant contributor to SaaS data loss. From accidental deletions to overwriting important files, even small mistakes can have far-reaching consequences. The risk escalates with social engineering attacks, where unsuspecting employees are tricked into compromising sensitive information.

According to the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, nearly 70% of breaches result from unintentional human actions, highlighting the sheer magnitude of this challenge. Whether it’s a momentary lapse or a cleverly disguised phishing attempt, human errors are a constant threat to the integrity of your Google Workspace data.

Malicious activities: Growing insider threats and cyberattacks

The threats from insider incidents and external cyberattacks have become a pressing concern for organizations relying on SaaS platforms like Google Workspace. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, are particularly insidious, with employees having direct access to sensitive data. Alarmingly, TechTarget reports that over 20% of organizations have faced data loss due to employees intentionally deleting critical information.

Meanwhile, cyberattacks like ransomware continue to surge in frequency and sophistication. Bad actors are targeting cloud environments with alarming precision, exploiting vulnerabilities to encrypt or steal data. Without proactive measures in place, these threats can cause irreversible damage, leaving businesses scrambling to recover both their data and their reputation.

Compliance shortfalls: Navigating regulatory and legal risks

While Google Workspace offers robust tools for productivity, its native backup policies may fall short when it comes to meeting industry-specific regulatory requirements. Sectors such as healthcare and finance operate under strict compliance mandates like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which demand rigorous data protection and retention protocols. Google’s built-in safeguards are not always designed to address these nuanced standards, leaving organizations exposed to potential compliance gaps.

The consequences of non-compliance can be severe, ranging from hefty fines to legal actions and reputational damage. Thus, proactively addressing compliance risks is essential to protecting both your data and your business.

Third-party app integrations: Enhancing functionality, introducing risks

Connecting third-party applications to Google Workspace can significantly improve productivity and workflows. However, it also opens the door to potential security vulnerabilities. These integrations often require access to your organization’s data, creating opportunities for unauthorized data access, accidental exposure or even malicious file encryption.

Notably, application programming interfaces (APIs) linking external apps to Google Workspace can unintentionally expose sensitive information, leaving it vulnerable to breaches. According to the Great SaaS Data Exposure report, an average organization has 157,000 sensitive records exposed to everyone on the internet — underscoring the severity of this risk.

Service outages and downtime: The unavoidable reality

Even the most reliable platforms, like Google Workspaces, are not immune to unexpected outages. While rare, these disruptions can bring business operations to a standstill, impacting productivity and access to critical data. A notable example occurred in May 2024, when a major Google outage disrupted services for thousands of users worldwide, leaving organizations scrambling to manage their operations without access to essential tools.

Such incidents highlight the importance of preparing for downtime. Relying solely on native cloud services for data availability can leave businesses vulnerable during such incidents. A comprehensive strategy, including third-party backups, ensures continuity even when the unexpected occurs.

How Backupify addresses these blind spots to secure your data

While Google Workspace provides essential tools for productivity, its native protections often leave critical gaps in data security. That’s where Backupify steps in. Designed to address these blind spots, Backupify offers robust features that go beyond standard protection, ensuring your data remains secure, accessible and recoverable all the time. Here’s how Backupify helps you take complete control of your Google Workspace data.

• Immutable, private cloud storage: Backupify’s private, immutable storage ensures that your data is safe from accidental or malicious modifications. By storing an independent copy outside the Google ecosystem, businesses maintain access to critical data even during outages or security incidents.
• Multilayered security features: Leverage Backupify’s advanced security measures to protect your data at every stage. With AES 256-bit encryption, your data is protected both in transit and within the Datto Cloud, ensuring it remains secure from unauthorized access. OAuth-based authentication securely verifies your accounts without storing your credentials, further reducing risk. Additionally, Backupify adheres to stringent compliance standards, including SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA, giving you confidence that your data meets the highest security and privacy benchmarks.
• Automated daily backups: Backupify automatically performs three daily backups, significantly reducing the risk of lost data by maintaining consistent and up-to-date copies of your files.
• Granular restore options: With Backupify’s granular restore capabilities, you can effortlessly recover exactly what you need. Whether it’s a single email or an entire folder, restoring data is quick and precise.
• 24/7 support: Backupify’s dedicated, round-the-clock customer support ensures you’re never alone when addressing data protection challenges, giving you complete IT peace of mind.

Comprehensively secure your Google Workspace data with Backupify

Overlooking the blind spots in Google Workspace data protection can lead to devastating consequences — unexpected data loss, operational downtime and even long-term reputational damage. That’s where Backupify can be a game changer. By providing advanced security, seamless backup and reliable recovery options, Backupify ensures your data is always secure, accessible and under your control. With Backupify, you can confidently navigate the complexities of modern data protection and focus on what matters most: driving your business forward. For a deeper dive into Google Workspace data protection blind spots, download the full infographic now. Discover how to secure your Google Workspace data against every hidden threat and empower your organization with unmatched resilience.