Have organizational leaders formally documented and agreed upon their specific roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity strategy development, implementation, and assessment?
Explanation
Clear definition and agreement of cybersecurity roles at the leadership level ensures accountability, prevents gaps in security oversight, and establishes governance for the entire security program. When leadership responsibilities are well-defined, organizations can more effectively respond to security incidents and maintain consistent security practices across departments.
Evidence of fulfillment could include a RACI matrix for cybersecurity governance, signed charters for security committees, organizational charts showing security reporting lines, or formal documentation of security responsibilities in leadership job descriptions or performance objectives.
Implementation Example
Leaders (e.g., directors) agree on their roles and responsibilities in developing, implementing, and assessing the organization's cybersecurity strategy
ID: GV.RR-01.033
Context
- Function
- GV: GOVERN
- Category
- GV.RR: Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities
- Sub-Category
- Organizational leadership is responsible and accountable for cybersecurity risk and fosters a culture that is risk-aware, ethical, and continually improving
Related questions
- Does leadership actively communicate expectations for a secure and ethical culture, particularly leveraging current events as teaching opportunities?
- Does your organization have a comprehensive cybersecurity risk strategy that is reviewed and updated at least annually and after significant security events?
- Does your organization conduct regular reviews to verify that individuals responsible for managing cybersecurity risk have appropriate authority and coordination mechanisms?
- Has your organization documented risk management roles and responsibilities in a formal policy?
- Has your organization formally documented the roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity risk management, including RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) designations?
- Are cybersecurity responsibilities and performance requirements explicitly included in job descriptions and personnel documentation?

