Professional Cloud Security EngineerEnsuring complianceMedium
A security auditor for a government agency using Google Cloud needs to verify that all Google personnel access to their project data is properly logged and justified. They require a detailed audit trail that includes the reason for access, the duration, and the specific Google team involved. Which Google Cloud service provides this level of transparency?
- AEssential Contacts
- BAccess Transparency
- CCloud Audit Logs
- DSecurity Command Center
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Access Transparency
Access Transparency provides near real-time logs of actions taken by Google personnel when they access customer content, including the reason for access, the duration, and the specific Google team involved, which is crucial for auditing and compliance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Essential Contacts manages who receives notifications about critical Google Cloud events, not logs of Google personnel access.
- C. Cloud Audit Logs record administrative activities and data access by users/services, but they do not provide the same level of detail about Google internal personnel access as Access Transparency.
- D. Security Command Center identifies security risks and vulnerabilities but doesn't log Google personnel access.
Access Transparency
A Google Cloud service that provides verifiable, near real-time audit logs when Google personnel access customer content.
- Crucial for compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Logs include justification, Google team, and duration.
- Complements Cloud Audit Logs by focusing on Google internal access.
Memory trick: Access Transparency shines a light on Google's actions.