Automatic logout due to inactivity must be disabled.

From MAC OSX 10.6 Workstation Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of OSX00435-Log out after X minutes of activity

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

SV-37262r1_rule Automatic logout due to inactivity must be disabled.

Vulnerability discussion

Although some might want to enable automatic logout based on inactivity, there are reasons why this feature should be disabled. First, it can disrupt workflow. Second, it can close applications or processes without approval (but a password-protected screen saver will not close applications). Third, because automatic logout can be interrupted, it provides a false sense of security.

Check content

1. Open System Preferences->Security. 2. Select General tab. 3. Ensure "Log out after x minutes of inactivity" is not checked. If it is checked, this is a finding.

Fix text

1. Open System Preferences->Security. 2. Select General tab. 3. Deselect "Log out after x minutes of inactivity".

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