In a typical information security organization, which role sets the strategic direction?

The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction of an organization, including its information security strategies. This group typically encompasses senior executives and key stakeholders who evaluate and make decisions regarding the organization's overall goals, risk management policies, and resource allocation. They play a crucial role in ensuring that information security aligns with business objectives and compliance requirements.

The Board's involvement is essential in advocating for a strong security posture and supporting the necessary funding and resources for cybersecurity initiatives. By establishing clear policies and ethical guidelines, they help define how information is protected and managed across the organization.

While other roles, such as the Chief Information Officer, IT Manager, and Security Analyst, play important functions in implementing and managing specific security measures, they typically operate within the framework and direction provided by the Board of Directors. Thus, the Board is the pivotal authority that provides strategic oversight in information security.