Not because the user clicked logout, but because the FedRAMP High Baseline demands it.
Session timeout enforcement is not optional. Under the FedRAMP High Baseline, systems must lock down inactive sessions and terminate them within strict time limits. This control is part of the protection measures for high-impact data in government cloud services. It reduces attack surfaces, stops hijacked sessions, and ensures compliance across every authorized environment.
To meet FedRAMP High Baseline requirements, you need precise configuration. The standard control—AC‑12 Session Termination—sets the parameters: you define an inactivity threshold, you enforce it at the application layer, and you confirm that the backend stops processing requests once the session expires. AC‑2 and IA‑5 link to these requirements as they govern access control and authentication, making session timeout enforcement a core compliance factor.
Enforcement mechanics matter. Relying on client-side scripts is weak. The timeout must be enforced on the server side. If the clock runs out, the token or session ID is invalidated immediately. This often means integrating with an identity management service that can revoke sessions, or configuring secure HTTP-only cookies with tight lifespan limits. Your system logs must record each termination event for audit readiness. Logging inactivity timeouts alongside user-triggered logouts satisfies multiple FedRAMP audit controls, including auditing requirements in AU‑2 and AU‑12.