Google goes offline: How the tech giant is testing internet-free Workstations to prevent cyberattacks

The company is running the program to reduce the risk of cyberattacks, as Google employees are frequent targets of hackers who could compromise user data and infrastructure code.

The program will disable internet access on select desktops, except for internal web-based tools and Google-owned websites like Google Drive and Gmail. Some workers who need the internet to do their job will get exceptions, the company stated in the materials.

After collecting comments, the company altered the pilot to allow employees to opt out and to welcome volunteers. Initially, more than 2,500 employees were chosen to participate.

Additionally, certain employees won't have root access, which prevents them from carrying out administration tasks like installing software or running administrative commands.

Turning off most internet access ensures attackers cannot easily run arbitrary code remotely or grab data, the company explained in internal materials.

The program comes as companies face increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Last week, Microsoft said Chinese intelligence hacked into company email accounts belonging to two dozen government agencies, including the State Department, in the U.S. and Western Europe in a "significant" breach.

It also comes as Google, which is preparing a companywide rollout of various artificial intelligence tools, tries to boost its security. Additionally, the corporation has been working harder recently to stop leaks. One of Google's main goals is ensuring the safety of its users and products, a company representative wrote in an email. "We routinely explore ways to strengthen our internal systems against malicious attacks."

Some cybersecurity professionals applauded Google's action as a preventative step to safeguard its resources and users.

By minimizing the attack surface and the possible harm that hackers can do, James Lewis, senior vice president and director of the Technology Policy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argued that Google was adopting a wise strategy.

However, some staff members voiced worries about the program's effects on their productivity and teamwork.

One Google employee who wished to remain anonymous stated, "I realize that security is vital, but working without internet access is very unpleasant and annoying. I believe I'm being left out of crucial communications and updates from my team and other departments.