diff --git a/.github/workflows/branch_build.yml b/.github/workflows/branch_build.yml
index 36b07f929..0174d81d4 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/branch_build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/branch_build.yml
@@ -5,6 +5,9 @@ on:
       - main
       - develop
       - release/*
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
 jobs:
   install-notest:
     if: "github.repository != 'WebGoat/WebGoat'"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/pr_build.yml b/.github/workflows/pr_build.yml
index b6c982097..bfd0d43ea 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/pr_build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/pr_build.yml
@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ on:
       - 'LICENSE'
       - 'docs/**'
 
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
 jobs:
   build:
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index b2f134c76..7f73a10fa 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -104,6 +104,8 @@ jobs:
       - name: "Image digest"
         run: echo ${{ steps.docker_build.outputs.digest }}
   new_version:
+    permissions:
+      contents: write  # for Git to git push
     if: github.repository == 'WebGoat/WebGoat'
     name: Update development version
     needs: [ release ]