What is the primary responsibility of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?

The primary responsibility of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is to manage and implement an organization's information security strategy. This role is crucial in protecting the organization’s information assets from risks and threats, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and aligning security initiatives with business objectives.

The CISO is tasked with developing robust security policies and procedures, overseeing risk management practices, and leading incident response efforts in the event of a security breach. They also work closely with other departments to foster a security-aware culture within the organization and are responsible for maintaining up-to-date security technologies and measures.

Other options are oriented towards areas outside of the core responsibilities of a CISO. For instance, overseeing marketing strategies and supervising customer service operations are roles typically managed by marketing and customer service leaders, respectively. Conducting financial audits falls under the purview of financial officers or auditors, who focus on the organization’s financial integrity and compliance rather than its information security posture.