> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/security-and-governance/user-and-account-policies/account-lockout.md).

# Account Lockout

Learn about account lockout in Couchdrop

## Overview

SFTP and SCP services exposed to the internet can be targeted by repeated login attempts. Couchdrop enables an account lockout policy by default to help protect user accounts from brute-force attacks.

When the policy is enabled, a user is locked out for **15 minutes** after **5 failed login attempts within 5 minutes**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Account administrators can unlock a user immediately if required.
{% endhint %}

## Configure the lockout policy

Use **Lock Out Policy** to control whether Couchdrop temporarily locks users after repeated failed authentication attempts.

* **Lock users from logging in after multiple failed attempts** — Enables the account lockout policy.
* When enabled, users are locked for **15 minutes** after **5 failed login attempts within 5 minutes**.

The lockout policy can be disabled globally, but we recommend leaving it enabled to reduce the risk of brute-force attacks against SFTP and SCP accounts.