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Alpha-Omega 2024 Annual Report

By Alpha-Omega, Blog

This post originally appeared on Alpha-Omega and has been revised for the OpenSSF.

By Alpha-Omega

We’re pleased to share our 2024 annual report. In it we try to convey the great progress in securing open source and our joy in seeing the increased security across so many open source ecosystems.

Open source software isn’t just another piece of technology—it’s the digital bedrock that supports everything from major government operations to the smartphone apps we use every day. Its strength lies in the global network of passionate, too-often-unpaid volunteers who pour their time and expertise into writing and maintaining open source projects. Yet, as we rely on these individuals to secure vital infrastructure, we must acknowledge the immense responsibility they carry and ensure we’re not merely shifting more unpaid work onto their shoulders. By investing in resources, offering support, and creating pathways for sustainable contribution, we can protect and strengthen open source software without placing undue burdens on the very people who make it possible.

To everyone who created, maintained, or contributed to an open source project in 2024, thank you.

In 2024, Alpha-Omega issued nearly $6 million in grants to improve security in key open source projects. Notably we:

  • Helped staff security teams at 10 of the most important open source organizations, such as the Python Software Foundation, OpenJS, and RubyGems.
  • Provided grants to harden critical infrastructure, such as the Linux kernel, and Homebrew.
  • Paid for security audits of foundational technologies.
  • Experimented with scaled approaches to finding and fixing vulnerabilities and supported Rust implementations of TLS and the AV1 codec.
  • Hosted four roundtable discussions with grant recipients to cross-pollinate expertise and to shape strategies for 2025.

Alpha-Omega is funded by generous and significant donations from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft. These grants made it possible to address longstanding security challenges, improve processes, and harden infrastructure within many of the world’s most important open source projects and ecosystems. More importantly, we’ve been able to establish a sustainable culture of security within the communities we work with.

The combination of Alpha-Omega’s grants and the energy, leadership, and commitment of the recipients is a formula that worked and we will continue applying it in 2025.

OpenSSF Newsletter – November 2024

By Newsletter

Welcome to the November 2024 edition of the OpenSSF Newsletter! Here’s a roundup of the latest developments, key events, and upcoming opportunities in the Open Source Security community.

The SOSS Fusion 2024 Playlist is Live!

Catch up on the highlights from SOSS Fusion 2024, The Conference for Secure Open Source Software with the full YouTube playlist. Explore keynotes, technical sessions, and workshops from industry leaders like Dan Lorenc and Cory Doctorow. Discover actionable insights and tools to secure open source software.

📺 Watch now: SOSS Fusion 2024 YouTube Playlist

Secure Your Software Supply Chain with Abhisek Datta

Join us for an insightful webinar, Policy, Security, and the Software Supply Chain, featuring security expert Abhisek Datta on November 27 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. This event is hosted in the lead-up to SOSS Community Day, India, co-located with KubeCon + CloudNativeCon India 2024.

Mark your calendars and register today!

Join us in Delhi for SOSS Community Day India on December 10, 2024, co-located with KubeCon + CloudNativeCon India

Hosted by the OpenSSF, this event will bring together open source security enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. Whether you’re an industry leader or a passionate technologist, this is your opportunity to dive deep into the latest open source security trends, learn from experts, and network with the vibrant open source community. Don’t miss out—register today and be part of the conversation on securing open source software!

Learn more

2025 Virtual Tech Talk Call for Proposal (CFP)

We are excited to invite proposals for the 2025 Virtual Tech Talk Series, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on critical initiatives to secure open source software within the OpenSSF community. These tech talks are designed to foster knowledge sharing, highlight innovative technical projects, and showcase efforts driving the future of open source security.

Have a topic or expertise you’d like to share? Submit your Call for Proposals (CFP) by December 13, 2024, to ensure ample time for review and planning. This is your chance to contribute, connect with peers, and inspire others in the field.

Submit your CFP

Case Study: Kusari’s Implementation of OpenSSF Tools and Services


Kusari has tackled software supply chain challenges like transparency and inefficiencies by integrating OpenSSF tools such as AllStar, Scorecard, and GUAC, while adopting open standards like SLSA and OpenVEX. These solutions have enhanced their ability to manage risks and contribute actively to the OpenSSF community.

Participating in open source communities allows us to shape the future of software supply chain technology,” says Parth Patel, Kusari’s Co-founder.

➡️ Read more about Kusari’s journey and the tools they use.

October was Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

CybersecurityMonth
This year, the focus was on collective action across sectors to enhance cybersecurity resilience. Organizations prioritized OSS governance, developers adopted secure coding practices, and academic institutions prepared the next generation of professionals—all contributing to safer digital ecosystems.

OpenSSF supported these efforts with resources like Developing Secure Software (LFD121) and events like SOSS Fusion, which fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing.

➡️ Read more about how we worked together to stay secure and informed.

OpenSSF Adds Minder as a Sandbox Project to Simplify the Integration and Use of Open Source Security Tools

Minder, contributed by Stacklok, simplifies the integration and use of open source security tools through a policy-based approach that spans the entire software development lifecycle. With features like noise reduction, auto-remediation, and integration with OpenSSF tools such as Sigstore, Minder empowers organizations to strengthen their security posture.

➡️ Explore Minder and see how it enhances open source security.

OpenSSF Expands Secure Development Course with Interactive Labs


The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) has enhanced its free “Developing Secure Software” course (LFD121) with hands-on labs and interactive activities. These new features provide developers with practical techniques to counter modern cyberattacks, improving engagement and knowledge retention.

With over 25,000 enrollments globally, this course offers a comprehensive learning experience covering secure design principles, implementation, and verification techniques. Developers can earn a completion certificate and access optional browser-based labs for an immersive learning experience.

➡️ Enroll in LFD121 and start building secure software today!

OpenSSF Welcomes New Members and Introduces New Initiatives at SOSS Community Day Japan

At SOSS Community Day Japan, OpenSSF celebrated its growing community with the addition of new members, including Arm, embraceable AI, Fujitsu, Ruby Central, and Trifecta Tech, furthering its mission to secure open source software.

In a recent press release, OpenSSF also announced new initiatives: Minder, a sandbox project simplifying security tool integration; bomctl, enhancing SBOM management; and Zarf, enabling secure software delivery in air-gapped environments.

➡️ Read more about our new members and initiatives.

 

Red Hat’s Collaboration with the OpenSSF and OSV.dev Yields Results: Red Hat Security Data Now Available in the OSV Format

RedHat'sCollaborationwithOpenSSF

Red Hat has partnered with OpenSSF and Google’s OSV.dev to make its security data available in the OSV format. This enhances transparency, accessibility, and integration with tools like OSV-Scanner, supporting better vulnerability management.

➡️ Learn more about this collaboration.

 

How We Can Learn from Open Source Software to Address the Challenges of AI

How_We_Can_Learn_from_Open_Source_Software_to_Address_the_Challenges_of_AI

AI models bring transformative potential but also risks like deepfakes, bias, and misuse. Drawing from open source principles, we can address these challenges by fostering collaboration across industry, academia, and government, securing the AI supply chain, and building “secure by default” models.

OpenSSF’s work with agencies like CISA offers a roadmap for leveraging open source security principles to improve the safety and reliability of open foundation models.

➡️ Read how open source lessons can shape a secure AI future.

 

The OpenSSF Armored Goose “Honk”: Advancing Open Source Security

ArmouredGooseHonk

The Open Source Security Foundation’s (OpenSSF) logo features “Honk,” an armored goose holding a shield, embodying the foundation’s mission to protect open source software. Representing adaptability, resilience, and teamwork, Honk symbolizes the innovative approaches OpenSSF employs to enhance security in the open source ecosystem.

Discover the story behind Honk and how OpenSSF champions collaboration and defense in open source security.

➡️ Learn more about Honk and join the mission.

In the News

Meet OpenSSF at These Upcoming Events!

Get Involved in OpenSSF

You’re invited to…

See You Next Month

We want to get you the information you most want to see in your inbox. Have ideas or suggestions for next month’s newsletter about the OpenSSF? Let us know at marketing@openssf.org, and see you next month! 

Regards,

The OpenSSF Team

OpenSSF Newsletter – October 2024

By Newsletter

Welcome to the October 2024 edition of the OpenSSF Newsletter! Here’s a roundup of the latest developments, key events, and upcoming opportunities in the Open Source Security community.

Join us in Tokyo for SOSS Community Day Japan on October 30, 2024, co-located with the Open Source Summit Japan (October 28-29)

Hosted by the OpenSSF, this event will bring together open source security enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. Whether you’re an industry leader or a passionate technologist, this is your opportunity to dive deep into the latest open source security trends, learn from experts, and network with the vibrant open source community. Don’t miss out—register today and be part of the conversation on securing open source software! Learn more

Recap on SOSS Community Day EU

SOSSCommunity24EU
On September 19, the OpenSSF community gathered in Vienna for SOSS Community Day EU, held alongside Open Source Summit EU. Each summit and community day is a celebration of open source excellence, showcasing the collective efforts of passionate individuals committed to making the world a safer place. We extend a heartfelt thanks to our dedicated maintainers for their continuous efforts in advancing open source security!

Recordings and photos are now available. Relive the moment as we recap some of the exciting conversations from the event! Read more

2025 Virtual Tech Talk Call for Proposal (CFP)

We are excited to invite proposals for the 2025 Virtual Tech Talk Series, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on critical initiatives to secure open source software within the OpenSSF community. These tech talks are designed to foster knowledge sharing, highlight innovative technical projects, and showcase efforts driving the future of open source security.
Have a topic or expertise you’d like to share? Submit your Call for Proposals (CFP) by December 15, 2024, to ensure ample time for review and planning. This is your chance to contribute, connect with peers, and inspire others in the field.
Submit your CFP

OpenSSF Education Tech Talk Highlights & Future Opportunities

10-10TechTalk
The OpenSSF hosted a virtual Tech Talk titled Jumpstart Your Journey: Mastering OSS Security Development with the Linux Foundation Education. This session was designed for aspiring open source professionals and newcomers eager to dive into the world of open source software (OSS) security.  Read more

Developer Relations: The Human Connection Driving Open Source Security

DeveloperRelationsTheHumanConnectionDriving OpenSourceSecurity

Open source security isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people behind it. Developer Relations (DevRel) connects developers, maintainers, and contributors, ensuring that they have the tools and support to make open source software more secure and resilient. As Katherine Druckman, Open Source Evangelist at Intel, said in her recent episode of the What’s in the SOSS? podcast: “We solve technical problems with technical solutions, but there are also so many human problems that need human solutions.” This illustrates the heart of DevRel—bringing together people to drive progress in open source security. Read more

OpenSSF SOSS Fusion Conference Kicks off with Talks from Google and Cisco Executives

SOSS-Fusion-2024-OpenSSF-SOSS-Fusion-Conference-Kicks-off-with-Talks-from-Google-and-Cisco-Executives-

The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) announced the opening of the Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Fusion Conference in North America in Atlanta, GA. This event unites a diverse community of professionals, including public sector leaders, software developers, security engineers, students, cybersecurity experts, CISOs, CIOs, founders, and tech pioneers. With a robust agenda covering AI security, critical open source security projects, public policy, and today’s most pressing security topics, SOSS Fusion offers a comprehensive look at OpenSSF’s initiatives that’s aimed at simplifying security for developers, and will help them prepare to shape a safer digital world in 2025 and beyond. Read more

Join us for SigstoreCon: Supply Chain Day at KubeCon NA 2024

SigstoreCon
Join us for SigstoreCon: Supply Chain Day at KubeCon NA 2024 in Salt Lake City on November 12! Attendees will explore the latest advancements in digital artifact signing, with sessions on Sigstore, SLSA, The Update Framework (TUF), and more.

Key Topics Include:

  • Case Studies: Real-world examples of how projects are leveraging Sigstore, SLSA, or TUF
  • Package Registry Adoption: Insights for maintainers adopting Sigstore/SLSA
  • Client Development: Learnings from building Sigstore clients
  • Technical Deep Dives/Research: Exploring transparency, privacy-preserving identities, and more

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in supply chain security​!

View agenda 

Register now

Empower Your Software Development with OpenSSF’s Free “Developing Secure Software” Course! 

Learn secure software fundamentals at your own pace and earn a recognized certificate. Plus, we’ve just added new optional labs in LFD121! These hands-on exercises will help you practice countering attacks with real-world scenarios and helpful hints. Enroll here

In the News

Meet OpenSSF at These Upcoming Events!

Get Involved in OpenSSF

You’re invited to…

See You Next Month

We want to get you the information you most want to see in your inbox. Have ideas or suggestions for next month’s newsletter about the OpenSSF? Let us know at marketing@openssf.org, and see you next month! 

Regards,

The OpenSSF Team