Which role is PRIMARY responsible for determining the information classification levels for a given information asset?

The primary responsibility for determining the information classification levels for a given information asset lies with the owner. The owner is the individual or role that has the ultimate authority over the information asset and is accountable for its protection and use. They understand the value of the information in the context of the organization’s goals and risks, which enables them to assign appropriate classification levels based on its sensitivity and the impact of potential breaches.

The classification process typically involves evaluating the information against criteria such as its confidentiality, integrity, and availability needs. Additionally, the owner considers regulatory requirements and the organization’s policies to determine how the information should be handled, accessed, and protected. This classification forms the foundation for implementing security measures and managing risks effectively.

In other roles, such as managers, custodians, or users, responsibilities differ significantly. Managers may oversee operational activities, custodians handle the implementation of security controls, and users interact with the data per the defined guidelines. While these roles support the information classification process, they do not carry the same level of responsibility as the owner when it comes to making classification decisions.