Mastering Linux Security and Hardening - Second Edition

Configuring automatic logouts and security banners

Best security practice dictates that people log out of their computers before they walk away from their desks. This is especially important when an administrator uses his or her cubicle computer to remotely log into a sensitive server. By default, SSH allows a person to remain logged in forever without complaining. However, you can set it up to automatically log out idle users. We'll look at two quick methods for doing that.