Information
The registry value entry ScreenSaverGracePeriod was added to the template file in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Software\Microsoft\ Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\ registry key. The entry appears as MSS: (ScreenSaverGracePeriod) The time in seconds before the screen saver grace period expires (0 recommended) in the SCE. Windows includes a grace period between when the screen saver is launched and when the console is actually locked automatically when screen saver locking is enabled. This setting is configured to 0 seconds for both of the environments that are discussed in this guide. The default grace period that is allowed for user movement before the screen saver lock takes effect is five seconds. If you leave the default grace period configuration, your computer is vulnerable to a potential attack from someone who could approach the console and attempt to log on to the computer before the lock takes effect. An entry to the registry can be made to adjust the length of the grace period.
Solution
To implement the recommended configuration state, set the following Group Policy setting to 0.
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\MSS- (ScreenSaverGracePeriod) The time in seconds before the screen saver grace period expires (0 recommended)
Impact- Users will have to enter their passwords to resume their console sessions as soon as the screen saver activates.