What benefit does configuring session timeout provide?

Configuring session timeout is primarily designed to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to active sessions. When a session times out after a period of inactivity, it requires the user to re-authenticate. This feature is especially crucial in environments where sensitive data is accessed, as it ensures that if a user steps away from their device without logging out, the session will be secured after a certain time has elapsed. This helps protect against unauthorized individuals who could exploit an open session to access confidential information or perform unauthorized actions.

While enhancing password complexity, extending password input duration, and speeding up authentication are important security practices, they do not directly relate to the benefits provided by session timeouts. These other practices focus on different aspects of security and user experience rather than the immediate protection of active user sessions.