The Linux Screen Saver Policy allows organizations to centrally configure and enforce screen saver and screen lock behavior on Linux devices. This helps improve security, reduce unauthorized access, and maintain compliance with internal or external security frameworks.
This policy works on Linux devices running GNOME, Xfce, MATE, and Cinnamon desktop environments and can be applied to both BYOD and company-owned devices.
Requirements
Linux operating system
What This Policy Does
This policy manages:
Automatic screen saver activation
Idle timeout behavior
Automatic screen locking
Lock delay after screen saver activation
Optional screen saver notifications
Lock-on-suspend behavior
By enforcing device inactivity behavior, organizations can ensure devices automatically lock after a certain period, protecting sensitive corporate data.
Policy Settings
The Linux Screen Saver Policy provides the following configuration options:
1. Idle Activation Enabled
Options: True / False
When enabled, the screen saver will automatically activate after a period of device inactivity.
True → Enables automatic screen saver activation
False → Disables screen saver activation
Minimum requirement: Linux
2. Idle Delay
Value: Time in seconds
Defines how long a device must be idle before the screen saver activates.
Example:
900
This means the screen saver will activate after 900 seconds (15 minutes) of inactivity.
3. Lock Enabled
Options: True / False
Controls whether the device should lock the screen once the screen saver activates.
True → Screen locks when the screen saver runs
False → Screen saver activates, but screen does NOT lock
Minimum requirement: Linux
4. Lock Delay
Value: Time in seconds
Specifies the delay between the screen saver activating and the screen becoming fully locked.
Example:
900
For example, if Idle Delay is 900 seconds and Lock Delay is also 900 seconds:
Screen saver activates at 15 minutes
Device locks at 30 minutes
5. Show Notifications
Options: True / False / Null
Controls whether notifications appear while the screen saver is active.
True → Show notifications
False → Hide notifications
Null → No change
Minimum requirement: Linux
6. Lock on Suspend
Options: True / False / Null
Determines whether the screen locks automatically when the system enters suspend mode.
True → Lock screen immediately on suspend
False → Do not lock screen on suspend
Null → No change
This is recommended for security, especially on laptops.
Minimum requirement: Linux
Use Cases
1. Enforcing Corporate Security Policies
Ensure all Linux devices lock themselves after a standardized period of inactivity—such as 5, 10, or 15 minutes—per company security guidelines.
2. Protecting Sensitive Information
Automatic lock helps prevent unauthorized individuals from viewing sensitive or confidential data when a device is left unattended.
3. Compliance With Security Frameworks
Many certifications require enforced screen lock policies, such as:
SOC 2
ISO 27001
HIPAA
PCI-DSS
This Linux policy helps satisfy these requirements.
4. Standardizing Behavior Across Different Desktops
Because Linux devices use different environments (GNOME, Xfce, MATE, Cinnamon), this policy ensures consistent behavior across the entire fleet.
Troubleshooting
Screen does not lock after idle delay
Confirm Idle Activation Enabled is set to True
Confirm Lock Enabled is set to True
Compare desktop environment compatibility
Screen saver activates too late or too early
Check both Idle Delay and Lock Delay settings
(Idle Delay controls activation; Lock Delay controls screen lock timing)
Notifications still show on lock screen
Make sure Show Notifications is set to False
Some desktops may require a reboot after changes
Best Practices
✔ Set Idle Delay to 900 seconds (15 minutes) for compliance
✔ Enable Lock on Suspend on all laptop devices
✔ Set Lock Delay equal to Idle Delay for immediate locking
✔ Hide notifications during screen saver for privacy
Summary
The Linux Screen Saver Policy in Swif.ai provides a standardized and secure way to manage screen saver and lock behavior across multiple Linux desktop environments. With centralized configuration, organizations can ensure that all Linux devices follow proper inactivity and locking rules, enhancing overall security and compliance.