What is the primary responsibility of an Information Security Officer (ISO)?

The primary responsibility of an Information Security Officer (ISO) is to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems. This encompasses the overall governance and risk management of an organization's information assets. The ISO develops and implements information security policies and procedures, monitors compliance with these policies, and manages security risks to protect the organization's sensitive data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats.

In doing this, the ISO typically conducts risk assessments, implements security controls, and coordinates incident response efforts. Their goal is to create a secure environment where information can be securely processed and stored, mitigating potential threats that could compromise data integrity or disrupt services. This holistic focus on the security of information systems is critical to maintaining the trust of clients and safeguarding the organization's operational capabilities.

The other roles, such as managing software development teams, developing marketing strategies, or providing technical support, are not aligned with the core focus of an ISO, which is centered on protecting an organization’s information assets.