Who has the authority to assume responsibility of operating a Department of Defense computer system at an acceptable level of risk?

Who has the authority to assume responsibility of operating a Department of Defense computer system at an acceptable level of risk?

• A. Authorizing official (AO).
• B. Security control assessor (SCA).
• C. Information system security officer (ISSO).
• D. Information system security manager (ISSM).

Answer: (A)

The authorizing official (AO) holds the ultimate authority to assume responsibility for the operation of a Department of Defense computer system at an acceptable level of risk. This role involves granting authorization for the operation of the system based on an assessment of the risks associated with its use. The AO evaluates the security measures in place, considers the potential impact of any potential risk, and determines whether the risks are acceptable in relation to the benefits gained from system operation. This decision-making authority is critical because it ensures that systems are managed and operated in accordance with established security standards and policies, aligning with organizational and mission objectives. The responsibilities of the AO emphasize a strategic oversight role, balancing operational needs with security considerations, hence their significance in the risk management framework within the Department of Defense. In contrast, other roles such as the security control assessor (SCA), information system security officer (ISSO), and information system security manager (ISSM) support the AO by performing assessments, implementing security controls, and managing information security tasks, respectively, but they do not have the same level of responsibility for accepting risk on behalf of the organization.

The authorizing official (AO) holds the ultimate authority to assume responsibility for the operation of a Department of Defense computer system at an acceptable level of risk. This role involves granting authorization for the operation of the system based on an assessment of the risks associated with its use. The AO evaluates the security measures in place, considers the potential impact of any potential risk, and determines whether the risks are acceptable in relation to the benefits gained from system operation.

This decision-making authority is critical because it ensures that systems are managed and operated in accordance with established security standards and policies, aligning with organizational and mission objectives. The responsibilities of the AO emphasize a strategic oversight role, balancing operational needs with security considerations, hence their significance in the risk management framework within the Department of Defense.

In contrast, other roles such as the security control assessor (SCA), information system security officer (ISSO), and information system security manager (ISSM) support the AO by performing assessments, implementing security controls, and managing information security tasks, respectively, but they do not have the same level of responsibility for accepting risk on behalf of the organization.