Leaked a secret? Check your GitHub alerts...for free

Exposed secrets and credentials are a significant cause of data breaches, often going undetected for extended periods, leading to severe consequences. GitHub has partnered with various service providers to address this issue by implementing secret scanning on all public repositories, available for free. This initiative involves scanning repositories for over 200 token formats and notifying partners of potential leaks, with GitHub alerting users directly about leaked secrets in their code. The rollout of secret scanning began in a public beta phase, with plans for full availability by January 2023, allowing users to manage their repository security proactively. Additionally, GitHub encourages service providers to join their secret scanning partner program, aiming to enhance protection for shared users. This initiative not only helps prevent secret exposures but also provides visibility into code issues, as noted by professionals like David Ross, a Staff Security Engineer at Postmates.