Why is GitHub asking me to enable 2FA on my account?

[kuldeeprajput-dev]

GitHub is showing a message that I need to enable two-factor authentication on my account before a deadline. Is 2FA mandatory now, and what should I do to keep my account safe?

[NayeemHossenJim]

Yes, GitHub 2FA is mandatory for many users now, especially accounts that contribute code on GitHub.com. GitHub started rolling this out in 2023, and selected users get a deadline to enable 2FA. If 2FA is not enabled within the required period, GitHub may restrict account access until it is set up. ([GitHub Docs]1)

To keep the account safe, the best approach is:

1. Enable 2FA before the deadline.
2. Use an authenticator app or passkey/security key instead of relying only on SMS.
3. Download and store recovery codes safely.
4. Add a backup 2FA method in case the phone/app is lost.

So yes, if GitHub is showing the 2FA deadline on your account, you should treat it as mandatory and enable it as soon as possible. It is not only for compliance, but also important for protecting repositories, organizations, and the software supply chain.

[Jeyasuriya-pillai]

GitHub requires 2FA to protect your account from unauthorized access and hacking.