IAM the Problem: Common Google Cloud Permission Mistakes

When organisations adopt Google Cloud, Identity and Access Management (IAM) often becomes the silent saboteur. Permissions that seem convenient at the start, like granting everyone Editor rights, can turn into security blind spots, compliance failures, and operational chaos. For security engineers, cloud architects, and IT managers, the stakes are high: unchecked IAM configurations not only expose critical systems but also undermine compliance frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO.

The Hidden Risks of Overused Permissions

The most common mistake in cloud adoption is the blanket use of Editor roles. They’re simple, fast, and allow teams to get started without friction. But simplicity quickly backfires. Editor roles grant broad privileges, including the ability to delete resources, modify networking, or disable security policies. In a multi-team environment, this creates messy accountability and a lack of auditability.

As highlighted in Crystalloids’ guidance on building scalable data foundations, foundational controls should be prioritised early. By failing to set up least-privilege principles from the outset, companies increase the chance of costly security incidents.

Service Accounts Gone Wrong

Another IAM pitfall is misconfigured service accounts. These non-human identities often end up over-permissioned, with credentials stored in code repositories or shared across environments.

If compromised, attackers gain the same access as the service account, potentially at project or organisation level.

At Crystalloids, we’ve seen similar challenges in projects requiring strict data governance. As discussed in our work on Data Vault Modelling, structure and guardrails are essential when managing complex systems. Similarly, IAM requires disciplined configuration and lifecycle management of identities, particularly those that are automated.

How to Do IAM Right

Fixing IAM requires moving beyond “default convenience” towards deliberate security architecture:

• Custom Roles: Define granular roles that align with business needs instead of over-relying on primitive roles (Owner, Editor, Viewer).
• Least Privilege: Apply the minimum necessary permissions to each identity. Rotate keys and use workload identity federation to reduce long-lived credentials.
• Audit Logging: Enable Cloud Audit Logs and monitor them actively. Logging ensures that access is transparent and provides the basis for forensic investigation.

These practices reflect the same principle emphasised in architecting conversational AI agents: every advanced solution is only as reliable as the foundation beneath it. Security and governance must come first.

Google itself outlines IAM best practices, such as using groups for access control, enforcing two-person approval workflows for sensitive actions, and continuously reviewing permissions (Google Cloud IAM documentation).

Why It Matters for Compliance and Scale

IAM is not just about protecting resources, it’s about scaling securely. Poorly managed permissions create headaches during audits, delay certifications, and risk regulatory fines. For IT managers and compliance officers, IAM hygiene is central to passing GDPR and HIPAA checks.

Crystalloids’ perspective is clear: without proper IAM, your cloud foundation is shaky. The same applies to IAM: operational excellence depends on solid access control. Read how Crystalloids strengthened IAM and security posture for FD Media using Google Cloud Security Command Center. 

Conclusion

Google Cloud IAM can either empower secure growth, or quietly undermine it. Overused Editor roles and sloppy service account management are the most common traps. The solution lies in adopting least privilege, custom roles, and proactive auditing from day one. For organisations scaling on GCP, the message is simple: IAM may be the problem, but it can also be the solution.

Is your IAM setup secure enough to pass a compliance audit? Crystalloids has helped enterprises design secure, scalable Google Cloud foundations for over 15 years. Get in touch with us to assess your IAM policies and strengthen your cloud security posture.