Using an HTTP(S) load balancer with Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP) is an effective solution for securely authenticating employees to a company application running on Compute Engine from anywhere. This approach leverages Google's identity management capabilities, ensuring users can authenticate using their Google accounts or corporate credentials.
The Identity-Aware Proxy functions as a gatekeeper to the application, providing secure access controls based on user identity and context. By placing the load balancer in front of your Compute Engine instance, you can implement strong authentication mechanisms that enforce policies related to who can access the application, such as integrating with Google's OAuth 2.0 for user verification.
Additionally, this solution enhances security by not relying on public IP addresses for direct access to the instance, which can expose the application to unnecessary risks. Instead, it uses the load balancer to manage traffic and authenticate users before they reach the application, ensuring that sensitive data and resources are better protected from unauthorized access.
In contrast, adding a public IP address without constraints opens the application to the internet, increasing the risk of attacks. A VPN tunnel is a viable option for protected access, but it requires users to connect through a specific network, limiting accessibility. Relying solely on public IP addresses with minimal restrictions