diff --git a/cowrie.cfg.dist b/cowrie.cfg.dist
index 97ed7418..93e10799 100644
--- a/cowrie.cfg.dist
+++ b/cowrie.cfg.dist
@@ -89,6 +89,12 @@ txtcmds_path = txtcmds
 ttylog = true
 
 
+# Interactive timeout determines when logged in sessions are
+# terminated for being idle.
+# (default: 180)
+interactive_timeout = 180
+
+
 
 # ============================================================================
 # Network Specific Options
diff --git a/cowrie/core/protocol.py b/cowrie/core/protocol.py
index d17b44e2..b186ae34 100644
--- a/cowrie/core/protocol.py
+++ b/cowrie/core/protocol.py
@@ -86,7 +86,12 @@ class HoneyPotBaseProtocol(insults.TerminalProtocol, TimeoutMixin):
         self.realClientPort = pt.transport.getPeer().port
         self.clientVersion = self.getClientVersion()
         self.logintime = time.time()
-        self.setTimeout(180)
+
+        try:
+            timeout = self.cfg.getint('honeypot', 'interactive_timeout')
+        except:
+            timeout = 180
+        self.setTimeout(timeout)
 
         # Source IP of client in user visible reports (can be fake or real)
         try: