A first network element, such as a router, in a computer network may have established a communication link with a second network element in the computer network. A secure session associated with the communication link between the first and second network elements may then be established. The secure session may use a secure communication function on each of the first network element and the second network element. The first network element may then detect that the first network element cannot communicate with the second network element over the communication link. When the first network element cannot communicate with the second network element, the first network element may terminate the communication link and the secure session associated with the communication link.