Isaca CGEIT Online Access

The primary reason to monitor data classification efforts is to identify deviations in the data that are outside risk thresholds. This is because data classification is a process of organizing and labeling data according to its type, sensitivity, and value to the organization1. Data classification helps to ensure that data is protected and handled appropriately according to its risk level and compliance requirements1. By monitoring data classification efforts, the organization can:

• Detect and prevent any unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure of sensitive or confidential data2
• Identify and mitigate any potential threats or vulnerabilities that could affect the availability, integrity, or quality of data2
• Evaluate and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of data classification policies, procedures, and tools2
• Ensure alignment and consistency of data classification across different systems, applications, and processes2
• Report and communicate the status and results of data classification to relevant stakeholders2

Monitoring data classification efforts can help the organization to manage and reduce the risks associated with data and to comply with relevant industry-specific regulatory mandates such as SOX, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR1.

References := Data Classification: Overview and Best Practices | Ground Labs, What Is Data Classification? The 5 Step Process & Best Practices for Classifying Data | Splunk

The primary role of the CEO in IT governance is establishing enterprise strategic goals. The CEO is responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction of the organization, which includes ensuring that IT governance aligns with and supports these broader objectives. While managing the risk governance process, evaluating ROI, and nominating IT steering committee membership are important, these are typically shared responsibilities or delegated to other roles within the organization. The CEO's leadership in defining the strategic goals is fundamental to guiding all aspects of IT governance and ensuring alignment with the business strategy.

Performing a business impact analysis (BIA) is the first course of action when a shortfall of IT resources is identified because it helps to assess the potential impact of the resource gap on the business processes, objectives, and goals. A BIA can also help to prioritize the criticality of the IT resources, identify the minimum acceptable levels of service, and determine the recovery strategies and resource requirements. A BIA can provide a basis for making informed decisions on how to allocate the available IT resources or acquire additional resources to close the gap.

References:

• According to ISACA’s CGEIT Review Manual 2021, one of the key activities for ensuring effective IT resource management is to "perform a business impact analysis (BIA) to identify and prioritize critical IT resources."1
• According to ISACA’s COBIT 2019 Framework, one of the governance objectives for managing IT resources is to "ensure that a BIA is performed to determine the required level of availability, continuity and security of IT services and data."2
• According to ISACA’s Business Continuity Management guide, one of the steps for developing a business continuity plan is to "conduct a BIA to identify the critical business processes and IT resources that support them."3

The accountability for a business continuity program for business-critical systems is best assigned to the CIO, because the CIO is responsible for the IT strategy, operations, and resources that support the business objectives and continuity. The other options are not as suitable as the CIO, because they do not have the same level of authority, expertise, or involvement in the IT function. The enterprise risk manager oversees the overall risk management process, but does not have direct control over the IT resources and activities. The CEO is ultimately accountable for the entire organization, but delegates the responsibility for IT to the CIO. The director of internal audit provides assurance and consulting services on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes, but does not have operational responsibility for IT or business continuity. References := Business Continuity Program Roles & Responsibilities, Who Should Manage the Business Continuity Program?