Monday, October 9, 2023

      Protecting your licensed code: Removing Public Repositories and Filing DMCA Reports on GitHub

      git-security

      Introduction

      Protecting your licensed code is of utmost importance in the digital age. This blog will not only walk you through the process of making a repository private but also cover how to search for unauthorized uses of your code and take necessary action.

      The following question OR statement usually comes up among software enthusiasts.

      • Unauthorized Use of Your Code? Here's What You Can Do
      • How to Protect Your Licensed Code: A Step-by-Step Guide
      • Keep Your Code Safe and Secure: Making Your GitHub Repository Private
      • Protecting Your Intellectual Property in the Digital Age: A Guide to Licensed Code
      • Keeping Your Code Safe: A Guide to Preventing Unauthorized Use
      git-security-2

      How to protect your repository

      • Step-1: - Sign In to Your GitHub Account

        Navigate to GitHub and sign in using your credentials.

      • Step-2: - Access Your Repository

        Locate and click on the repository containing your licensed code.

      • Step-3: - Go to Settings

        Find and click on the “Settings“ tab, usually found on the right side of the menu bar.

      • Step-4: - Scroll Down to Danger Zone

        Scroll down to the “Danger Zone“ section, where you can manage repository visibility and deletion options.

      git-danger-zone
      • Step-5: - Make Your Repository Private

        Click on the “Change repository visibility“ link, select “Private“, and confirm the action by entering your password.

      • Step-6: - Verify Visibility

        Your repository is now private, ensuring only authorized users have access.

      git-404-not-found

      Once you set your repository to private,
      anyone who visit the link will find nothing there like the picture above...

      How to take down unauthorized public repositories

      • Step-1: - Search for Keywords

        Use a search engine, GitHub's built-in search, or specialized tools like CodeRadar to search for unique keywords related to your licensed code.

      git-advance-search
      • Step-2: - Identify Public Repositories

        Review search results to identify public repositories containing your code. Pay special attention to the main file address.

      • Step-3: - Document Repository Information

        Copy the main file address and gather any relevant information about the unauthorized repository.

      • Step-4: - Navigate to DMCA report

        Go to GitHub's DMCA takedown notice form, where you'll be prompted to provide information about the infringing repository.

      git-dmca-found
      • Step-5: - Complete the DMCA Report

        Fill out the required details, including your contact information, a description of your copyrighted work, and the URL of the infringing repository.

      • Step-6: - Additional Information

        Provide any additional information that may be relevant to the case.

      • Step-7: - Submit the Report

        Review your submission for accuracy and click the "Submit" button.

      • Step-8: - Follow Up

        Keep an eye on your email for updates from GitHub regarding the status of your DMCA report.

      git-takedown
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