Who holds the highest level of senior official responsibility for information security in an organization?

The individual who holds the highest level of senior official responsibility for information security in an organization is typically the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO has overarching authority and responsibility for all aspects of the organization, including its information security posture. This role is integral because the CEO sets the tone at the top regarding the importance of information security, supporting policies and practices that protect sensitive information.

While the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Risk Executive have significant roles in managing information security strategies and risks, they typically operate under the CEO's direction. The CIO focuses on the organization's IT infrastructure and may implement security measures, but ultimate accountability rests with the CEO. The Risk Executive manages the organization's risk management program, which includes aspects of information security, but again, does so within the framework established by the senior leadership, including the CEO.

The Information Owner is responsible for specific information assets within the organization but does not have the highest authority concerning overall information security policies on an enterprise level. Therefore, the CEO's position places them at the apex of responsibility for ensuring that the organization adheres to effective information security practices, making them the correct answer.