GitHub explains how secret scanning helps catch accidentally committed API keys and tokens by alerting you with the exact file and line number, so you can revoke exposed credentials before they’re exploited.

How GitHub secret scanning saves your code

Accidentally committing an API key or token can expose your systems. GitHub secret scanning helps by automatically checking commits for sensitive information and alerting you when a secret is detected.

What secret scanning does

• Scans commits for sensitive values (for example, API keys or tokens).
• Alerts you if it finds something that looks like a secret.
• Shows you the exact file and line number where the secret appears, so you can fix it quickly.

Why it matters

If a key or token leaks into a repository, it can be used by attackers. The intent of secret scanning is to help you:

• Identify the leak quickly
• Revoke/rotate the exposed credential before it’s exploited

Learn more

• GitHub for Beginners (Season 3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhxXaFzzJYA