Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Exam - Information Classification Process

The Primary Role of the Information Security Manager

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Question

What is the PRIMARY role of the information security manager in the process of information classification within an organization?

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A. B. C. D.

A.

Defining and ratifying the classification structure of information assets is the primary role of the information security manager in the process of information classification within the organization.

Choice B is incorrect because the final responsibility for deciding the classification levels rests with the data owners.

Choice C is incorrect because the job of securing information assets is the responsibility of the data custodians.

Choice D may be a role of an information security manager but is not the key role in this context.

The primary role of the information security manager in the process of information classification within an organization is to define and ratify the classification structure of information assets (Option A).

Information classification is a critical aspect of information security management, as it helps identify the level of protection that different types of information require based on their sensitivity, criticality, value, and regulatory requirements. By defining and ratifying the classification structure of information assets, the information security manager establishes a framework for classifying information consistently across the organization.

This involves developing policies, procedures, and guidelines that outline the criteria for classifying information, the classification levels, and the responsibilities of different stakeholders in the process. The information security manager should also ensure that the classification structure aligns with the organization's risk management and compliance objectives and takes into account any legal, contractual, or ethical obligations.

While the information security manager may provide input into deciding the classification levels applied to the organization's information assets (Option B), this is typically a collaborative effort involving different stakeholders, such as business owners, data owners, and IT teams.

Once the classification structure is in place, the information security manager's role is to ensure that the organization's information assets are secured in accordance with their classification (Option C). This involves implementing appropriate security controls, such as access controls, encryption, data loss prevention, and monitoring, to protect information assets from unauthorized disclosure, modification, or destruction.

Finally, the information security manager may check if information assets have been classified properly (Option D) as part of their monitoring and oversight responsibilities, but this is not their primary role in the process of information classification. The main focus is on establishing a robust and consistent classification structure that aligns with the organization's risk management and compliance objectives and supports effective information security management.