Implementing Zero Trust with BeyondCorp

Overview

Google BeyondCorp Enterprise implements the zero trust security model by eliminating the concept of a trusted network perimeter. Instead of relying on VPNs and network location, BeyondCorp authenticates and authorizes every request based on user identity, device posture, and contextual attributes. Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP) serves as the enforcement point, intercepting all requests to protected resources and evaluating them against Access Context Manager policies. This guide covers configuring IAP for web applications, defining access levels based on device trust and network attributes, and auditing access policies for compliance.

Prerequisites

• Google Cloud project with BeyondCorp Enterprise license
• IAP API enabled (iap.googleapis.com)
• Access Context Manager API enabled (accesscontextmanager.googleapis.com)
• GCP resources to protect (Compute Engine, App Engine, or GKE services)
• Endpoint Verification deployed on managed devices
• Python 3.9+ with google-cloud-iap library

Steps

Step 1: Enable IAP on Target Resources

Configure Identity-Aware Proxy on Compute Engine, App Engine, or HTTPS load balancer backends.

Step 2: Define Access Levels

Create Access Context Manager access levels based on IP ranges, device attributes (OS version, encryption, screen lock), and geographic location.

Step 3: Bind Access Policies

Apply access levels as IAP conditions to enforce context-aware access decisions on protected resources.

Step 4: Audit and Monitor

Query IAP audit logs, verify policy enforcement, and identify gaps in zero trust coverage.

Expected Output

JSON report containing IAP-protected resources, access level definitions, policy binding audit results, and zero trust coverage metrics.

Verification Criteria

Confirm successful execution by validating:

• [ ] All prerequisite tools and access requirements are satisfied
• [ ] Each workflow step completed without errors
• [ ] Output matches expected format and contains expected data
• [ ] No security warnings or misconfigurations detected
• [ ] Results are documented and evidence is preserved for audit

Compliance Framework Mapping

This skill supports compliance evidence collection across multiple frameworks:

• SOC 2: CC6.1 (Logical Access), CC6.2 (Credentials), CC6.3 (Provisioning)
• ISO 27001: A.9.1 (Access Control), A.9.4 (System Access Control), A.13.1 (Network Security)
• NIST 800-53: AC-2 (Account Management), AC-3 (Access Enforcement), SC-7 (Boundary Protection)
• NIST CSF: PR.AC (Access Control), PR.PT (Protective Technology)

Claw GRC Tip: When this skill is executed by a registered agent, compliance evidence is automatically captured and mapped to the relevant controls in your active frameworks.

Deploying This Skill with Claw GRC

Agent Execution

Register this skill with your Claw GRC agent for automated execution:

# Install via CLI
npx claw-grc skills add implementing-zero-trust-with-beyondcorp

# Or load dynamically via MCP
grc.load_skill("implementing-zero-trust-with-beyondcorp")

Audit Trail Integration

When executed through Claw GRC, every step of this skill generates tamper-evident audit records:

• SHA-256 chain hashing ensures no step can be modified after execution
• Evidence artifacts (configs, scan results, logs) are automatically attached to relevant controls
• Trust score impact — successful execution increases your agent's trust score

Continuous Compliance

Schedule this skill for recurring execution to maintain continuous compliance posture. Claw GRC monitors for drift and alerts when re-execution is needed.