What is a session-refresh event?¶

A session-refresh event records renewal of access within an existing authenticated session. It normally shows software obtaining continued authority, not a person beginning a new session or re-entering credentials.

Refresh extends an earlier authentication chain¶

Browsers and applications use refresh tokens or similar mechanisms to obtain new short-lived access tokens. They can do this in the background while a device is idle. The event may identify the account, client, source, session or token reference, result and renewed validity.

A valid refresh can come from the expected application, a compromised device or a copied credential. Changes in address or device may be relevant, but network routing and provider behaviour can also produce them.

Relate renewal to origin and revocation¶

Establish whether refresh required interaction, multi-factor authentication or only an existing token. Trace the original session creation, later renewals, expiry and revocation, including how password changes and logout affect access.

Do not use the refresh time as the session start. Report it as evidence that the service renewed an existing credential, then rely on device and session evidence for conclusions about who remained in control.