diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 69252a9..988a172 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -40,3 +40,10 @@ style_file:
 
 style_package:
 	${RSCRIPT} -e "styler::style_pkg()"
+
+scan_secrets:
+	@echo "scanning for leaks in commits\n"
+	gitleaks detect --source . -v
+	@echo "\n\n\n"
+	@echo "scanning for leaks in uncommitted files\n"
+	gitleaks protect --source . -v
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a5b7286..4dd418d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -17,6 +17,11 @@ Development version
 pak::pkg_install("getwilds/sixtyfour")
 ```
 
+## Scanning for secrets
+
+See the make target `scan_secrets` in the Makefile to scan for secrets.
+
+
 ## Code of Conduct
 
 Please note that the sixtyfour project is released with a [Contributor Code of Conduct](https://contributor-covenant.org/version/2/1/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.html). By contributing to this project, you agree to abide by its terms.