GitHub’s 2FA Mandate: A Step Towards Securing the Software Supply Chain

15 Dec GitHub’s 2FA Mandate: A Step Towards Securing the Software Supply Chain

GitHub’s 2FA Mandate: A Step Towards Securing the Software Supply Chain

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, security is not just a feature; it’s a necessity. GitHub, a central hub for developers worldwide, has recently announced a significant move to bolster the security of the software supply chain. By the end of 2023, all developers contributing code on GitHub.com will be required to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This initiative marks a pivotal step in protecting developer accounts from social engineering and account takeover attempts.

Why the Shift to Mandatory 2FA? The decision stems from a simple yet profound understanding: the software supply chain starts with the developer. Protecting developer accounts is the first critical step in securing this chain. GitHub’s history of safeguarding developers includes invalidating compromised passwords and enrolling npm publishers in enhanced login verification. Now, they’re taking it a step further.

Figure 1, GitHub Two-Factor Authentication

The Rollout Begins March 13 Starting March 13, GitHub will gradually roll out this requirement, beginning with smaller groups and scaling up as the year progresses. If your account is selected for early enrollment, you’ll be notified via email and a banner on GitHub.com. You’ll have 45 days to configure 2FA on your account. Post-deadline, you’ll need to enable 2FA upon accessing GitHub.com, with a one-week snooze option available.

Making 2FA Setup Easier GitHub has been enhancing the 2FA experience to ensure it’s as straightforward as possible. This includes:

• Second-factor validation 28 days post-setup to avoid lockouts due to misconfigured TOTP apps.
• Multiple 2FA methods including TOTP and SMS, though security keys and TOTP apps are recommended for stronger protection.
• Preferred 2FA method selection for account login and sudo prompts.
• Unlinking email in case of 2FA lockout to start fresh with a new GitHub account if necessary.

What to Expect if You’re Required to Enable 2FA If you fall into the pending 2FA enablement group, expect an email notification about 45 days before your deadline. Post-deadline, you’ll be prompted to enable 2FA upon daily access to GitHub.com, with a one-week snooze option. After enabling 2FA, a 28-day check-up ensures your setup is functioning correctly.

Securing the Software Supply Chain: A Collective Effort With the ubiquity of open source software in proprietary systems, securing accounts on platforms like GitHub is paramount. The implementation of strong authentication practices like 2FA is recognized as a best practice and is now being expanded by GitHub as part of its duty to protect the software supply chain.

GitHub’s mandate for 2FA is more than a policy update; it’s a commitment to the security of the entire software ecosystem. As developers and maintainers of critical repositories, our participation in this initiative is crucial. By enrolling in 2FA, we contribute to making open source software more secure for everyone.

Remember, securing the software supply chain is a team effort, and every step we take towards stronger authentication practices is a stride towards a more secure digital world.

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