An identity-aware proxy (IAP) sits between users and your applications. It checks every request against identity and policy rules. Session timeout enforcement adds a strict time limit to those sessions. When the timer expires, the proxy kills the connection and forces re-authentication. This eliminates lingering sessions, stale access, and the silent buildup of risk.
Why enforce timeouts? Because tokens and cookies can be stolen. Browsers stay open. People forget to log out. Without enforced termination, an attacker with a hijacked session can operate until something else stops them. A reliable timeout policy shortens the attack window and ensures the IAP’s trust decisions are refreshed often.
Strong enforcement depends on two things: consistent tracking of session start and last activity, and immediate revocation at the timeout limit. The proxy must refuse all new requests after expiry and clear associated credentials from memory or cache. Ideally, the timeout period is short enough to reduce exposure but long enough to avoid excessive re-authentication for legitimate users.