3.13.9

Terminate network connections associated with communications sessions at the end of the sessions or after a defined period of inactivity.

DISCUSSION

This requirement applies to internal and external networks. Terminating network connections associated with communications sessions include de-allocating associated TCP/IP address or port pairs at the operating system level, or de-allocating networking assignments at the application level if multiple application sessions are using a single, operating system-level network connection. Time periods of user inactivity may be established by organizations and include time periods by type of network access or for specific network accesses.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE

Determine if:

3.13.9[a] a period of inactivity to terminate network connections associated with communications sessions is defined.

3.13.9[b] network connections associated with communications sessions are terminated at the end of the sessions.

3.13.9[c] network connections associated with communications sessions are terminated after the defined period of inactivity.

POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT METHODS AND OBJECTS

Examine: [SELECT FROM: System and communications protection policy; procedures addressing network disconnect; system design documentation; system security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; system developer].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Mechanisms supporting or implementing network disconnect capability].