Description:


The organization has implemented electronic procedures to enhance the security of electronic protected health information (ePHI) by automatically terminating electronic sessions after a predetermined period of inactivity. This proactive measure aligns with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and protecting sensitive health information from potential security threats.


Inactivity Timeout Controls:

Integration of inactivity timeout controls within electronic systems, ensuring that user sessions are automatically terminated after a specified period of inactivity.


User Notifications:

Implementation of user notifications prior to session termination, providing individuals with warnings and opportunities to extend their sessions if needed.


Customizable Timeout Settings:

Adoption of customizable timeout settings, allowing the organization to tailor inactivity thresholds based on specific security and operational requirements.


Logging and Monitoring:

Activation of logging and monitoring mechanisms to track instances of session terminations due to inactivity, facilitating oversight and compliance verification.


Priority: High


Category: Access Control and Session Management


Services Associated with AWS:


AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)

AWS CloudTrail


Services Associated with Azure:


Azure Active Directory

Azure Monitor


Objective Evidence:


Configuration Records:

Documentation outlining the configured inactivity timeout settings for electronic sessions.


User Training Records:

Records demonstrating that users have been trained on the inactivity timeout policies and procedures.


Logs of Session Terminations:

Logs indicating instances of electronic sessions being automatically terminated due to inactivity.


Possible Technology Considerations:


- Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration:

- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

- Real-Time Notifications:


What Needs to Be Answered:


  • How effective are the implemented inactivity timeout controls in automatically terminating electronic sessions after a predetermined period of inactivity?
  • To what extent are users aware of the inactivity timeout policies, and how well do they comply with the recommended secure session management practices?
  • How is the implementation of inactivity timeout controls integrated with other security measures, such as SSO and MFA?
  • How frequently are logs of session terminations reviewed, and what measures are in place to ensure ongoing monitoring and oversight?


More Details:


Our commitment to safeguarding ePHI includes the implementation of robust electronic procedures for session management. By automatically terminating sessions after periods of inactivity, we ensure a proactive approach to security, mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access.