Who typically has ultimate responsibility for security within an organization?

The correct choice is the Senior Manager because they usually hold a critical role in establishing and enforcing security policies, ensuring that proper security measures are in place throughout the organization. This role often involves overseeing the implementation of security strategies and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Senior managers have the authority to allocate resources, make decisions regarding security practices, and ultimately ensure that security aligns with the overall business goals.

While the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) also plays a significant role in security governance, their focus typically extends to broader organizational leadership rather than the day-to-day management of security practices. The IT Security Analyst has specialized knowledge and skills relevant to security but does not hold ultimate responsibility for security decisions at an organizational level. The Data Owner has critical responsibilities concerning the protection of specific data but does not possess overarching authority for security across the entire organization. This distinction in responsibilities highlights why the Senior Manager is typically recognized as having ultimate responsibility for security within the organization.