Connections Termination
Terminate network connections associated with communications sessions at the end of the sessions or after a defined period of inactivity.
What an assessor scores, the objectives
SC.L2-3.13.9 is met only when every one of these 3 objectives, from NIST SP 800-171A, is satisfied. A single missed objective makes the whole requirement not met.
- a.a period of inactivity to terminate network connections associated with communications sessions is defined
- b.network connections associated with communications sessions are terminated at the end of the sessions
- c.network connections associated with communications sessions are terminated after the defined period of inactivity
How a C3PAO checks it
NIST SP 800-171A defines three assessment methods. For SC.L2-3.13.9, an assessor uses these:
System and communications protection policy; procedures addressing network disconnect; system design documentation; system security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records
System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; system developer
Mechanisms supporting or implementing network disconnect capability
What it means, in context
This requirement applies to internal and external networks . Terminating network connections associated with communications sessions include de- allocating associated TCP/IP address or port pairs at the operating system level, or de- allocating networking assignments at the application level if multiple application sessions are using a single, operating system -level network connection. Time periods of user inactivity may be established by organizations and include time periods by type of network access or for specific network accesses.
Prevent malicious actors from taking advantage of an open network session or an unattended computer at the end of the connection. Balance user work patterns and needs against security to determine the length of inactivity that will force a termination. This requirement, SC.L2-3.13.9, specifies network connections be terminated under certain conditions, which complements AC.L2 -3.1.18 that specifies control of mobile device connections. Example You are an administrator of a server that provides remote access. Your company’s policies state that network connections must be terminated after being idle for 60 min utes [a]. You edit the server configuration file and set the timeout to 60 minutes and restart the remote access software [c]. You test the software and verify that the connection is terminated appropriately. Potential Assessment Considerations • Are the network connections requiring management and time- out for inactivity documented [a]? • Are the network connections requiring management and time- out for inactivity configured and implemented [c]?
What passing evidence looks like
Network connections end when done: idle timeouts on VPN, RDP, and web sessions, from the settings that enforce them.
Common ways contractors fail SC.L2-3.13.9
- !Pairs with AC.L2-3.1.11 but at the network layer: the VPN idle disconnect and RDP session limits are the usual mechanisms. Define the period, show the setting.
The step by step walkthrough for Microsoft 365 GCC High, Google Workspace, and on premises setups, plus the exact evidence to capture, lives inside the Level 2 Accelerator.
Prove SC.L2-3.13.9, and the other 109
The Level 2 Accelerator walks all 110 requirements with you, generates your SSP, POA&M, and Audit Room from real evidence, includes the full Level 1 platform, and puts a credentialed officer alongside you for 180 days. Filed in 180 days, or we work free until you are.
No credit card. Phase 2 begins Nov 10, 2026, when applicable DoD solicitations start requiring a current Level 2 status to win the award.
SC.L2-3.13.9 questions, answered
How many points is CMMC requirement SC.L2-3.13.9 worth?+
SC.L2-3.13.9 is worth 1 point in the CMMC Level 2 score under 32 CFR 170.24. If it is not met, you lose 1 from your total of 110.
Can SC.L2-3.13.9 be placed on a POA&M?+
Yes. A gap on SC.L2-3.13.9 can be deferred to a Plan of Action and Milestones, provided your overall score is 88 or better and the item closes within 180 days.
What family does SC.L2-3.13.9 belong to?+
SC.L2-3.13.9 is in the System & Communications Protection (SC) family, one of the 14 families of NIST SP 800-171 that make up CMMC Level 2.
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 3.13.9