Cis Gworkspace 4.1.1.1

4.1.1.1 Ensure 2-Step Verification (MFA) is enforced for all users in administrative roles

Profile Applicability

• Enterprise Level 1

Description

Enforce 2-Step Verification (Multi-Factor Authentication) for all users assigned administrative roles. These include roles such as:

• Help Desk Admin
• Groups Admin
• Super Admin
• Services Admin
• User Management Admin
• Mobile Admin
• Android Admin
• Custom Admin Roles

Rationale

Add an extra layer of security to users accounts by asking users to verify their identity when they enter a username and password. 2-Step Verification (Multi-factor authentication) requires an individual to present a minimum of two separate forms of authentication before access is granted. 2-Step Verification provides additional assurance that the individual attempting to gain access is who they claim to be. With 2-Step Verification, an attacker would need to compromise at least two different authentication mechanisms, increasing the difficulty of compromise and thus reducing the risk.

Impact

Implementation of 2-Step Verification (multi-factor authentication) for all users in administrative roles will necessitate a change to user routine. All users in administrative roles will be required to enroll in 2-Step Verification using phone, SMS, or an authentication application. After enrollment, use of 2-Step Verification will be required for future access to the environment.

Audit

To verify this setting via the Google Workspace Admin Console:

1. Log in to https://admin.google.com as an administrator
2. Go to Security and click on 2-Step Verification
3. Select the appropriate group with ALL ADMIN ROLES -- Create this group if needed
4. Under Authentication, ensure Allow users to turn on 2-Step Verification is checked
5. Ensure Enforcement is set to On
6. Ensure New user enrollment period is set to 2 weeks
7. Under Frequency, ensure Allow user to trust device is unchecked
8. Under Methods, ensure Any except verification codes via text, phone call is selected

Remediation

To verify this setting via the Google Workspace Admin Console:

1. Log in to https://admin.google.com as an administrator
2. Go to Security and click on 2-Step Verification
3. Select the appropriate group with ALL ADMIN ROLES -- Create this group if needed
4. Under Authentication, set Allow users to turn on 2-Step Verification to checked
5. Set Enforcement to On
6. Set New user enrollment period is set to 2 weeks
7. Under Frequency, set Allow user to trust device to unchecked
8. Under Methods, set Any except verification codes via text, phone call to selected
9. Select Save

Default Value

• Allow users to turn on 2-Step Verification is checked
• Enforcement is Off
• New user enrollment period is None
• Frequency - Allow user to trust device is checked
• Methods is Any

CIS Controls