Control: 2.7 Ensure that account 'Lockout duration in seconds' is greater than or equal to '60'

Description

The account lockout duration value determines how long an account retains the status of lockout, and therefore how long before a user can continue to attempt to login after passing the lockout threshold.

Account lockout is a method of protecting against brute-force and password spray attacks. Once the lockout threshold has been exceeded, the account enters a locked-out state which prevents all login attempts for a variable duration. The lockout in combination with a reasonable duration reduces the total number of failed login attempts that a malicious actor can execute in a given period of time.

Remediation

From Azure Portal

1. From Azure Home select the Portal Menu.
2. Select Microsoft Entra ID.
3. Under Manage, select Security.
4. Under Manage, select Authentication methods.
5. Under Manage, select Password protection.
6. Set the Lockout duration in seconds to 60 or higher.
7. Click Save.

Default Value

By default, Lockout duration in seconds is set to 60.