- Word documents protected with CSE must be compatible in Google Docs (currently in beta)
- It is possible that some characteristics do not work completely to start with
- Administrators must request beta access
Google has announced a new and useful update that reaches its online productivity set, allowing users to see and edit encrypted files of Microsoft Word (.docx) from the Google Docs interface.
The benefit for users is that editions will continue to keep in the original word format, which allows the use of Google’s work space with all family words and formats.
The updated Google function also maintains the confidentiality of the data by keeping the client’s side (CSE) active, however, there are some restrictions.
Edit documents protected with CSE in Google Docs
“This update makes it easier for you to take advantage of Google’s work space with the tools and formats that you already use while preserving the confidentiality of your confidential data with the encryption on the client’s side,” says Google’s announcement.
While the function remains in beta, users must work within the limitations of the function. For example, it only admits .docx files (not other types of word files), and a maximum file size of 20 MB is applied. Some incompatible characteristics can also occur: some words characteristics can be only seen or non -editable in the documents, and others can be lost or altered after the edition.
Google confirmed: “As we continue to improve the edition of the office in Docs of Google encryption, you can find incompatibilities for certain characteristics.” The company said notifications will appear if editions are expected to cause loss of characteristics.
Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Enterprise Plus and Frontline Plus will get access to the function, however, it requires that the administrators request access through a form. Once accepted, they will get immediate access to the beta function.
“The administrators eligible for Google’s work space can use this form to request access to the beta version. We will share more specific instructions once it is accepted in the beta version,” Google said.
