Can the Authorizing Official delegate the decision to authorize?

Can the Authorizing Official delegate the decision to authorize?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on the situation
• D. Only if there is a designated representative

Answer: (B)

The correct answer to the question regarding whether the Authorizing Official can delegate the decision to authorize is indeed that it is false. The Authorizing Official (AO) holds a critical role in the risk management framework, responsible for making decisions about the security posture and authorization of information systems. This responsibility encompasses the decision to authorize a system for operation, which requires a comprehensive understanding of its security and risk implications. The decision to authorize is fundamentally based on the AO's judgment and accountability, representing their personal assessment of the system's security risks and compliance with security policies. Allowing delegation of this authority could undermine the integrity of the authorization process, potentially leading to misaligned risk assessments or insufficient understanding of the security implications. Therefore, while the AO can consult with other stakeholders or experts in the process of gathering relevant information to inform their decision, the final authorization must rest solely with them, ensuring accountability and security governance within the organization. This understanding emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear chain of responsibility in federal IT security practices, highlighting why it would be inappropriate for the AO to delegate this pivotal authority.

The correct answer to the question regarding whether the Authorizing Official can delegate the decision to authorize is indeed that it is false. The Authorizing Official (AO) holds a critical role in the risk management framework, responsible for making decisions about the security posture and authorization of information systems. This responsibility encompasses the decision to authorize a system for operation, which requires a comprehensive understanding of its security and risk implications.

The decision to authorize is fundamentally based on the AO's judgment and accountability, representing their personal assessment of the system's security risks and compliance with security policies. Allowing delegation of this authority could undermine the integrity of the authorization process, potentially leading to misaligned risk assessments or insufficient understanding of the security implications. Therefore, while the AO can consult with other stakeholders or experts in the process of gathering relevant information to inform their decision, the final authorization must rest solely with them, ensuring accountability and security governance within the organization.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear chain of responsibility in federal IT security practices, highlighting why it would be inappropriate for the AO to delegate this pivotal authority.