In an organization where IT is critical to its business strategy and where there is a high level of operational dependence on IT, senior management commitment to security is BEST demonstrated by the:
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A. B. C. D.C.
In an organization where IT is critical to its business strategy and there is a high level of operational dependence on IT, senior management commitment to security is a crucial factor to ensure the protection of the organization's assets and reputation. Among the options provided, the BEST way for senior management to demonstrate commitment to security is by the reporting line of the chief information security officer (CISO).
Option A: Reporting line of the CISO The reporting line of the CISO indicates the level of authority and visibility the security function has within the organization. If the CISO reports directly to the CEO or another high-level executive, it shows that security is a priority and that senior management understands its importance in supporting the organization's business objectives. This ensures that the security function has the necessary resources, support, and attention to manage risks effectively.
Option B: Segregation of duties policy Segregation of duties is an important control to prevent fraud, errors, and unauthorized access. It involves assigning different responsibilities to different individuals to prevent any one person from having too much control over a process. While segregation of duties is a good practice, it does not necessarily indicate senior management commitment to security. It is more of an operational control than a strategic one.
Option C: Existence of an IT steering committee An IT steering committee is a group of executives and managers responsible for overseeing the organization's IT strategy and ensuring that IT aligns with business objectives. While the existence of an IT steering committee is important to ensure IT supports the organization's goals, it does not necessarily demonstrate senior management commitment to security.
Option D: Size of the IT security function The size of the IT security function is a measure of the resources allocated to security, but it does not necessarily reflect senior management commitment to security. The size of the IT security function may be affected by various factors such as budget, organizational structure, and risk profile.
In conclusion, the reporting line of the CISO is the BEST way for senior management to demonstrate commitment to security in an organization where IT is critical to its business strategy and there is a high level of operational dependence on IT. It shows that senior management understands the importance of security in supporting the organization's business objectives and provides the security function with the necessary resources, support, and attention to manage risks effectively.