Google restricting internet access to some employees to reduce cyberattack risk

Google connected Wednesday is starting a caller aviator programme wherever immoderate employees volition beryllium restricted to internet-free desktop PCs, CNBC has learned.

The institution primitively selected much than 2,500 employees to participate, but aft receiving feedback, the institution revised the aviator to let employees to opt out, arsenic good arsenic opening it up to volunteers. The institution volition disable net entree connected the selected desktops, with the objection of interior web-based tools and Google-owned websites similar Google Drive and Gmail. Some workers who request the net to bash their occupation volition get exceptions, the institution states successful materials.

Some employees volition besides person nary basal access, meaning they won't beryllium capable to tally administrative commands oregon bash things similar instal software.

Google is moving the programme to trim the hazard of cyber attacks, according to interior materials. "Googlers are predominant targets of attacks," 1 interior statement viewed by CNBC states. If a Google employee's instrumentality is compromised, the attackers whitethorn person entree to idiosyncratic information and infrastructure code, which could effect successful a large incidental and undermine idiosyncratic trust, the statement added.

Turning disconnected astir net entree ensures attackers cannot easy tally arbitrary codification remotely oregon drawback data, the statement explains.

The programme comes arsenic companies look progressively blase cyberattacks. Last week, Microsoft said Chinese quality hacked into Microsoft email accounts belonging to 2 twelve authorities agencies, including the State Department, successful the U.S. and Western Europe successful a "significant" breach. Google has been pursuing U.S. authorities contracts since launching a nationalist assemblage part past year.

It besides comes arsenic Google, which is preparing a companywide rollout of assorted AI tools, tries to level up its security. The institution has besides been trying much successful caller months to incorporate leaks. 

A Google spokesperson did not instantly instrumentality a petition for comment.