Protecting Python’s Future: Why the Python Software Foundation Rejected a Major Security Grant
In the world of software development, the security of open-source ecosystems is a topic of paramount importance. Python, one of the most popular programming languages on the planet, relies heavily on the Python Package Index (PyPI), a vast repository of libraries that developers use every day. Protecting this critical infrastructure is a massive undertaking, which is why a recent decision by the Python Software Foundation (PSF) has drawn significant attention.
The PSF recently declined a substantial grant from a U.S. government agency that was intended to fund a full-time “Security Developer in Residence.” This role would have been dedicated to proactively strengthening the security of Python and its package ecosystem.
On the surface, turning down funding for such a critical position seems counterintuitive. However, a closer look reveals a principled decision rooted in protecting the foundation’s long-term stability and independence.
The Problem Wasn’t the Goal, But the Strings Attached
The core issue was not the funding itself, but the contractual obligations that came with it. According to the PSF, the grant’s terms were “onerous” and carried risks that were too significant for a non-profit organization to bear.
Government contracts are often designed for large, for-profit corporations with legal teams and financial resources to manage complex compliance and liability clauses. For a non-profit like the PSF, which operates on a much leaner model, these same terms can be dangerously restrictive.
The PSF concluded that accepting the grant under the proposed terms would have put the entire foundation’s financial stability and operational independence at risk. The potential liabilities and stringent requirements were fundamentally incompatible with the PSF’s structure and mission to serve the global Python community. After attempting to negotiate more favorable terms without success, the foundation made the difficult choice to walk away.
A Growing Challenge for Open-Source Security
This situation highlights a critical and growing challenge in the world of cybersecurity: how to effectively fund the security of essential open-source projects. While governments are increasingly recognizing the need to secure the digital supply chain, their funding mechanisms have not yet adapted to the unique nature of community-driven, non-profit organizations.
This decision was not a rejection of government partnership, but a rejection of unworkable terms. The PSF remains actively committed to hiring a Security Developer in Residence and is continuing to seek funding from corporate sponsors and other sources that align with its operational principles.
The need is undeniable. PyPI has faced numerous threats, from “typosquatting” (uploading malicious packages with names similar to popular ones) to sophisticated attacks designed to steal developer credentials. A dedicated security expert would be instrumental in developing automated defenses, responding to incidents, and hardening the infrastructure that millions of developers rely on.
Actionable Security Tips for Python Developers
While the search for funding continues, the responsibility for security remains a shared one. Every Python developer can take steps to protect their projects and contribute to a safer ecosystem.
- Vet Your Dependencies: Before installing a new package, do a quick search. Check its download statistics on PyPI, its GitHub repository for recent activity, and any open security-related issues. Avoid new or obscure packages unless you can review the source code yourself.
- Use Security Scanning Tools: Integrate tools like
pip-auditorsafetyinto your development workflow. These tools can automatically check your project’s dependencies against a database of known vulnerabilities, alerting you to potential risks. - Pin Your Versions: Always use a
requirements.txtorpyproject.tomlfile to pin the exact versions of your dependencies. This prevents your application from automatically pulling in a newer, potentially compromised version of a library without your knowledge. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you are a package maintainer who uploads to PyPI, secure your account with 2FA. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent an attacker from taking over your account and publishing malicious code under your name.
Ultimately, the PSF’s decision underscores the complex reality of securing the open-source software that powers our world. It was a difficult but necessary choice to safeguard the foundation’s ability to serve the Python community for years to come. The goal remains the same: ensuring Python and its ecosystem are as secure and reliable as possible.
Source: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/10/29/python-foundation-rejects-government-grant/
