Google has improved its security for Google Apps to include Secure Socket Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) options, it has been revealed.
The move will also allow businesses, schools and organisations served by the technology to make use of administrative controls for data distribution and publication from Google Docs, Calendar and websites.
Writing on the search engine's official blog, Google Apps security director Eran Feigenbaum said: "We can assess password strength in real-time and help administrators spot passwords that were relatively secure in the past that are more vulnerable to the latest patterns of attacks."
He added that the extra layer of security will allow administrators to set password length requirements and view password strength indicators to determine those that may still not be strong enough.
Earlier this week, IT industry analyst Frost & Sullivan claimed global businesses are looking to hire application security providers despite the uncertain economic climate.