Re: Exception to Session Logoff Policy

[Stefan Wahe <stefan.wahe () WISC EDU>]

Ours is dependent on the application or system.  Typically our standard for desktops is to auto lock after 15 minutes 
of inactivity.  For some of our restricted systems inactive logoff is 20 to 40 minutes.  

If the system does not handled “restricted” or “critical” data” then a longer logout maybe accepted. 

My question is if they are training, is the session logoff based on inactivity or total session time?

Thanks – Stefan


From:  The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv <SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU> on behalf of "Carroll, Tim" 
<Carrolltd () ROANESTATE EDU>
Reply-To:  The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv <SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU>
Date:  Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:25 AM
To:  "SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU" <SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU>
Subject:  [SECURITY] Exception to Session Logoff Policy

Good Morning,

 

I have a request from an Academic Organization to change the session logoff time from our standard 15 minutes of 
inactivity to 60 minutes to accommodate teaching in dedicated labs.  After researching for a standard I can find no 
clear consensus; although 15 minutes seems to be the most commonly adopted.  OMB M-06-16 (PDF) U.S. Presidential 
Memorandum Protection of Sensitive Agency Information recommends time-out after 30 minutes; NIST SP800-46 suggests 15 
minutes; Standards among Higher Education institutions vary widely from 1 to 30 minutes depending on where the computer 
is located and what data is being accessed.

 

My question is, what automatic logoff standard are you using and do you allow for exceptions?  What sources do you cite 
to support your decision if any?     

 

Regards,

 

Tim

Tim Carroll

Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Information Technology

Roane State Community College

carrolltd () roanestate edu

865-882-4560

 


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