Who is the senior official responsible for accepting responsibility for operating an information system at an acceptable risk level?

The senior official responsible for accepting responsibility for operating an information system at an acceptable risk level is the Authorizing Officer. This individual plays a crucial role in the risk management framework, specifically in the authorization process of information systems. The Authorizing Officer evaluates the security controls in place, assesses the risks associated with operating the system, and ultimately makes the determination on whether the system can be operated within an acceptable risk threshold.

This responsibility involves a deep understanding of the system and its environment, as well as an assessment of potential impacts on the organization’s mission, reputation, and compliance with regulations. By authorizing the operation of an information system, the Authorizing Officer ensures that all necessary security controls are implemented and functioning effectively. This role is essential for maintaining the organization's risk posture and ensuring accountability for the information system's security management.

In contrast, other roles such as the Chief Executive Officer and the Information Owner have responsibilities that may involve overall governance and data stewardship, but do not specifically focus on the operational authorization of information systems. The Information Security Architect is primarily concerned with the design and implementation of security measures and architecture, rather than the acceptance of risk relating to system operations.