Your GitHub account, set up safely
Create a professional, safe account
- Go to github.com and click Sign up. You must be 13 or older
- Choose your username carefully — it will be in your web address (
github.com/sam-lee) and you'll put it on your resume - Verify your email address
Choosing a username
- ✅ Something like your name:
sam-lee,samlee-dev - ❌ Jokes, gamer tags, your birth year or school — employers will see it
Keep your email private
Every commit you make includes an email address, and on public projects anyone can see it. GitHub gives you a private one instead:
- Click your profile picture → Settings → Emails
- Tick Keep my email addresses private
- Copy the address shown that ends in
@users.noreply.github.com— you'll use it in Module 2
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
GitHub requires 2FA for people who contribute code, and it's the best protection for your account. Use an authenticator app (such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator):
- Settings → Password and authentication → Enable two-factor authentication
- Scan the QR code with your app and type in the code it shows
- Download your recovery codes and keep them somewhere safe — they're the only way back in if you lose your phone
A profile employers like
- A clear photo or simple avatar, and your real first name
- A one-line bio: "Learning Python and web development · Sydney"
- Don't add your phone number, home address or school
Try it
Set up your account, private email and 2FA. Write down your username — you'll need it in every module.