Automatic Session Timeout Security

This question asks if your system automatically logs people out after they've been inactive for a while. It's like a bank ATM that returns your card if you walk away mid-transaction. If someone leaves their computer unlocked or forgets to log out, the system should automatically secure itself after a period of no activity to prevent unauthorized access by someone walking by.

Automatic session timeouts prevent unauthorized access from unattended workstations, a leading cause of insider threats and data breaches. Many compliance frameworks mandate specific timeout periods - HIPAA requires 15 minutes for healthcare data, while financial services often require even shorter periods. Without configurable timeouts, you may fail compliance audits or force customers to implement compensating controls. This feature can prevent costly breaches where authorized users inadvertently provide access to unauthorized individuals.

The biggest mistake is implementing timeouts that can't be configured per customer requirements - different industries have different standards. Another common issue is poor user experience, like losing unsaved work without warning when sessions expire. Many systems also fail to properly distinguish between idle timeout and absolute session limits, both of which enterprises may require for different security scenarios.