AC-11

AC-11 SESSION LOCK

Overview

Number	Title	Impact	Priority	Subject Area
AC-11	Session Lock	MODERATE	P3	Access Control

Instructions
The information system: AC-11a. Prevents further access to the system by initiating a session lock after Assignment: organization-defined time period of inactivity or upon receiving a request from a user; and AC-11b. Retains the session lock until the user reestablishes access using established identification and authentication procedures.

Guidance
Session locks are temporary actions taken when users stop work and move away from the immediate vicinity of information systems but do not want to log out because of the temporary nature of their absences. Session locks are implemented where session activities can be determined. This is typically at the operating system level, but can also be at the application level. Session locks are not an acceptable substitute for logging out of information systems, for example, if organizations require users to log out at the end of workdays.

Guidance

Session locks are temporary actions taken when users stop work and move away from the immediate vicinity of information systems but do not want to log out because of the temporary nature of their absences. Session locks are implemented where session activities can be determined. This is typically at the operating system level, but can also be at the application level. Session locks are not an acceptable substitute for logging out of information systems, for example, if organizations require users to log out at the end of workdays.

Enhancements

AC-11 (1) Pattern-Hiding Displays

MODERATE

Publicly viewable images can include static or dynamic images, for example, patterns used with screen savers, photographic images, solid colors, clock, battery life indicator, or a blank screen, with the additional caveat that none of the images convey sensitive information.

The information system conceals, via the session lock, information previously visible on the display with a publicly viewable image.