Which of the following roles would represent a conflict of interest for an information security manager?
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A. B. C. D.C.
Since management is ultimately responsible for information security, it should approve information security policy statements; the information security manager should not have final approval.
Evaluation of third parties requesting access, assessment of disaster recovery plans and monitoring of compliance with physical security controls are acceptable practices and do not present any conflicts of interest.
As an information security manager, it is important to maintain impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest can arise when an individual's personal or professional interests interfere with their ability to make fair and objective decisions.
Out of the given options, the role that represents a conflict of interest for an information security manager is:
C. Final approval of information security policies
The reason why this role would represent a conflict of interest is that an information security manager may be responsible for creating or proposing policies, and final approval would give them the power to approve their own policies. This could lead to a bias in favor of their own proposals, which could be detrimental to the organization's security posture.
On the other hand, the other roles mentioned in the options would not necessarily represent a conflict of interest for an information security manager. Here is a brief explanation of each:
A. Evaluation of third parties requesting connectivity: This role requires an information security manager to evaluate third parties' security controls and assess their suitability for connectivity with the organization's network. This role does not represent a conflict of interest as the decision is based on objective criteria, and the manager is evaluating third parties, not their own interests.
B. Assessment of the adequacy of disaster recovery plans: This role requires an information security manager to assess the effectiveness of the organization's disaster recovery plans. This role does not represent a conflict of interest as the assessment is based on objective criteria, and the manager is assessing the organization's plans, not their own interests.
D. Monitoring adherence to physical security controls: This role requires an information security manager to monitor physical security controls and ensure that they are working as intended. This role does not represent a conflict of interest as the manager is monitoring adherence to established controls, not creating new policies or making subjective decisions.
In summary, an information security manager should strive to avoid conflicts of interest, especially in roles that involve decision-making authority over policies that they themselves have proposed or created.