Introducing GitHub Sudo Mode
In the ongoing effort to keep our users safe, we recently took inspiration from the Unix sudo command. We wanted to require password confirmation for dangerous actions on GitHub.com, but…
In the ongoing effort to keep our users safe, we recently took inspiration from the Unix sudo command. We wanted to require password confirmation for dangerous actions on GitHub.com, but we didn’t want to force you to be constantly entering your password.
Meet GitHub’s “sudo mode”

Dangerous actions (e.g. adding email addresses or public keys) will now require password confirmation. If you’re deep in the zone and you’re doing a lot of these dangerous actions, we’ll only ask you to re-authenticate every few hours.
With this balance of security and convenience, we help you keep your account safe, without getting in your way. Feedback is always welcome. Enjoy!
Written by
Related posts
GitHub Universe 2026: Evolving every layer of the stack
Today, we laid out our vision for GitHub as the most comprehensive, end-to-end software delivery system in the world.
Octoverse: Commits, pushes, reach new highs in 2026 as developers build with agents
See how a record year of growth reached every industry, every field, and every kind of builder in the 2026 Octoverse report.
The next developer interface is ambient intelligence
AI, agents, voice, and physical controls are shifting software development from operating tools to expressing intent—and helping developers stay focused on building.