This check verifies that Windows is configured to have password protection take effect within a limited time frame when the screen saver becomes active.

From Windows 2003 Domain Controller Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with IA controls: PESL-1

SV-29374r1_rule This check verifies that Windows is configured to have password protection take effect within a limited time frame when the screen saver becomes active.

Vulnerability discussion

Allowing more than several seconds makes the computer vulnerable to a potential attack from someone walking up to the console to attempt to log onto the system before the lock takes effect.

Check content

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> “MSS: (ScreenSaverGracePeriod) The time in seconds before the screen saver grace period expires (0 recommended)” to “5” or less.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.