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The machine inactivity limit must be set to 15 minutes, locking the system with the screensaver.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-36773 WN08-SO-000021 SV-48460r1_rule PESL-1 Medium
Description
Unattended systems are susceptible to unauthorized use and should be locked when unattended. The screen saver should be set at a maximum of 15 minutes and be password protected. This protects critical and sensitive data from exposure to unauthorized personnel with physical access to the computer.
STIG Date
Windows 8 Security Technical Implementation Guide 2014-01-07

Details

Check Text ( C-45124r1_chk )
Analyze the system using the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in. (See "Performing Analysis with the Security Configuration and Analysis Snap-in" in the STIG Overview document.)
Expand the Security Configuration and Analysis tree view.
Navigate to Local Policies -> Security Options.

If the value for "Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit" is not set to "900" seconds or less, this is a finding.

The policy referenced configures the following registry value:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\

Value Name: InactivityTimeoutSecs

Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0x00000384 (900)
Fix Text (F-41587r1_fix)
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> "Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit" to "900" seconds".