CMMC readiness · NIST 800-171 alignment · DFARS support Mon–Fri · 0800–1800 ET
Controls / Access Control / 3.1.11
3.1.11
AC.L2-3.1.11 · Level 2

Terminate (automatically) a user session after a defined condition.

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.1.11

Terminate (automatically) a user session after a defined condition.

Assessment objectives

From NIST SP 800-171A · 2 objectives must be met to satisfy this control
3.1.11[a] conditions requiring a user session to terminate are defined.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing session termination; system design documentation; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; list of conditions or trigger events requiring session disconnect; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; system developers].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms implementing user session termination].
3.1.11[b] a user session is automatically terminated after any of the defined conditions occur.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing session termination; system design documentation; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; list of conditions or trigger events requiring session disconnect; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; system developers].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms implementing user session termination].

What we look for in practice

The following are placeholder notes that should be refined based on practice experience.

What assessors look for in practice. Documented evidence that this control is implemented across all CUI-handling systems within scope. Specific artifacts vary, but expect requests for written procedures, system configurations, and operational records demonstrating the control is active.

Common failure patterns. Typical issues include incomplete documentation, inconsistent implementation across systems, and missing periodic review records. Refine this section as your practice accumulates direct assessment experience.

Strong evidence looks like. Formal policy referencing this control, technical configurations demonstrating enforcement, periodic review logs with sign-off, and procedures for handling exceptions.

Scoring and POA&M context. 1-point control under the DoD Assessment Methodology. Lower scoring impact, but still required for full compliance. POA&M-eligible — deferral up to 180 days is allowed under conditional certification per 32 CFR 170.21.