What is the recommended security setting for session timeout?

The recommended security setting for session timeout is set to 20 minutes to help maintain a secure environment for users. A shorter session timeout is crucial for minimizing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. By automatically logging out users after a period of inactivity, it reduces the chances of someone else gaining access if a user leaves their session open on a shared device or is away from their workstation. This practice aligns with security best practices that advocate for frequent logins for accessing sensitive applications to bolster overall data protection.

Longer session timeouts, such as 1 hour or 2 days, may offer convenience to users but significantly increase the vulnerability window for any potential unauthorized access. Options like "Never" would lead to users remaining logged in indefinitely, which is a considerable security risk in any application where sensitive customer data and interactions are managed. Therefore, a 20-minute timeout strikes an effective balance between usability and maintaining a robust security posture.