Answers
What is secret scanning?
In short
Secret scanning is the automated detection of credentials, tokens and keys committed to source control or present in logs and build artefacts.
Short answer
Secret scanning is the automated detection of credentials, tokens and keys committed to source control or present in logs and build artefacts.
What this actually means in practice
Use a tool (gitleaks, trufflehog, GitHub secret scanning) in CI and on push. Treat detected secrets as compromised: rotate immediately. Pair scanning with developer education and a clear rotation runbook.
The most common pitfall
Detecting a secret in a public repo and 'just removing the commit' instead of rotating.
What to do next
Enable secret scanning on every repo and define the rotation runbook.
Frequently asked questions
Does Forth Systems help with this?
Yes — Forth Systems works with banks, payment institutions, insurers and infrastructure operators on exactly this kind of work. Engagements start with a fixed-scope assessment so you see the shape before committing.
How experienced is the team?
Engagements are staffed by named, UK-based senior engineers — not a rotating offshore pool. References from the second line of comparable clients are available on request.
Where are you based?
Edinburgh-based, delivering UK-wide with onsite presence in London and across Scotland as required.
How fast can we start?
Most engagements start within 2-4 weeks of a signed SoW, faster where an existing supplier framework is in place.