What is the primary responsibility of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?

The primary responsibility of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is establishing information security strategy. This entails creating a comprehensive plan that outlines how the organization will protect its information assets, addressing various dimensions like risk management, compliance with regulations, and responding to emerging threats. The CISO plays a crucial role in assessing the current security posture, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing policies and practices that safeguard against cyber threats, ensuring that the organization's data integrity and confidentiality are maintained.

The other options relate to functions outside the key focus of a CISO's role. Managing company finances, for example, is typically the responsibility of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), while recruiting IT staff is a task more aligned with human resources or IT management roles. Developing marketing strategies falls under the purview of marketing leaders rather than information security, as it focuses on promoting and selling products and services rather than safeguarding information.