What does information security governance establish?

Information security governance is essential because it creates a strategic framework that aligns security measures with the organization’s business objectives. This alignment ensures that the security initiatives effectively support the overall goals of the business while managing risk appropriately. It encompasses establishing policies, procedures, structures, and roles within the organization to ensure that security measures are well-integrated into the business processes.

By providing this framework, governance helps to delineate responsibilities and accountability for security-related activities, ensuring that the organization prioritizes its resources to effectively manage risks while achieving its strategic objectives. This holistic approach is vital for sustaining security investments and demonstrating compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.

In contrast, a comprehensive list of technical controls, while important for the implementation of security measures, does not encompass the overall governance aspect that ties security strategy to business priorities. Physical security measures alone cover only a part of the broader security landscape and do not account for the overall alignment of security with business goals. Lastly, incident response procedures are critical but represent just one facet of governance rather than its entirety, which encompasses broader strategic considerations.