March 2016 Summaries

Semaphore has introduced a new security feature, two-step verification, to enhance user data protection. This feature, also known as two-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a one-time password in addition to their usual username and password. This method combines knowledge of a password with possession of a phone, ensuring account security even if the password is compromised. Users can activate this feature through their account settings, with guidance available in the documentation. Additionally, Semaphore provides one-time recovery codes for situations where phone access is lost. Users are encouraged to adopt this security measure, and they can discuss further on the Semaphore Discord channel.

Scheduled for March 22, 2016, the upcoming platform update includes various software updates such as Git 2.7.3, Java 8u74, and several Node.js versions like 5.4.1 and 4.3.2. PHP, PIP, RethinkDB, Sbt, Scala, and Virtualenv also receive updates, while Go 1.6 and Mozilla Firefox 45.0esr are newly added to the platform, with expanded Node.js support introducing versions 5.8.0 and 4.4.0. The update marks the deprecation of Python 3.2 support, and users are encouraged to switch to the Ubuntu 14.04 LTS v1603 release candidate to test compatibility and provide feedback. The release candidate period will run until March 22, 2016, although the addition of Node.js 4.4.0 and 5.8.0 has been postponed, with a full list of changes available in the changelog.