Well, hey there friends.

Hope you had a good weekend. The latest news: Google is rolling out a new encryption feature for some Workspace customers.

Let's dive into what that means.

Also, a quick programming note. We're taking a break next week but we'll be back in your inbox in January. Cheers to 2023!

Here's your quick rundown of what happened:

• Google announced that client-side encryption (CSE) for Gmail is in beta. CSE encrypts data on the sender's side, meaning it'll shield customers' data before it reaches Google's servers.
• Using it ensures sensitive data in the email body and attachments are indecipherable to Google servers.
• Eligible customers can apply to join the Gmail CSE Beta test until January 20th, 2023.

Here's why I think this matters to IT.

• It's important to note that CSE is different than end-to-end encryption (E2EE). With CSE, admins can control the keys and who has access to them. With E2EE, admins don't have that kind of control.
• Concerns about online privacy and data security are at an all-time high, so this development comes at an opportune time.
• This announcement comes right after Apple recently expanded end-to-end encryption support to iCloud backups, Notes, and Photos. Coincidental timing? Maybe.