Information Security Roles and Support by Senior Management

The Role of Senior Management in Supporting Information Security

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Question

The MOST appropriate role for senior management in supporting information security is the:

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Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

C.

Since the members of senior management are ultimately responsible for information security, they are the ultimate decision makers in terms of governance and direction.

They are responsible for approval of major policy statements and requests to fund the information security practice.

Evaluation of vendors, assessment of risks and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements are day-to-day responsibilities of the information security manager; in some organizations, business management is involved in these other activities, though their primary role is direction and governance.

The role of senior management in supporting information security is critical for the effective implementation and management of information security programs. Senior management plays a critical role in setting the tone for security in the organization, providing guidance and direction, and ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to protect the organization's assets.

Out of the options given, the most appropriate role for senior management in supporting information security is the approval of policy statements and funding (option C). Here's why:

A. Evaluation of vendors offering security products While it is important for senior management to be involved in the selection of security products, this is primarily the responsibility of the information security team, who are better equipped to evaluate and recommend appropriate solutions. Senior management's role is to ensure that the organization has the necessary resources to acquire and implement these solutions.

B. Assessment of risks to the organization Risk assessment is a critical aspect of information security, but it is primarily the responsibility of the information security team. While senior management should be aware of the organization's risks, they should not be expected to conduct the assessments themselves. Senior management's role is to provide guidance and support to the information security team in identifying and managing risks.

C. Approval of policy statements and funding Senior management's primary role in supporting information security is to approve policy statements and funding. This includes ensuring that the organization has appropriate security policies and procedures in place, and that there is adequate funding to support the implementation and management of these policies. Without senior management's approval, it can be difficult to obtain the necessary resources to effectively manage information security.

D. Monitoring adherence to regulatory requirements While monitoring adherence to regulatory requirements is important, this is primarily the responsibility of the compliance team. Senior management's role is to ensure that the organization has appropriate policies and procedures in place to meet regulatory requirements and to support the compliance team in implementing these policies.

In summary, the most appropriate role for senior management in supporting information security is the approval of policy statements and funding. This enables the information security team to effectively manage information security and protect the organization's assets.