= The most important reason to ensure information security is aligned with the organization’s strategy is to optimize security risk management. Information security is not an isolated function, but rather an integral part of the organization’s overall objectives, processes, and governance. By aligning information security with the organization’s strategy, the information security manager can ensure that security risks are identified, assessed, treated, and monitored in a consistent, effective, and efficient manner1. Alignment also enables the information security manager to communicate the value and benefits of information security to senior management and other stakeholders, and to justify the allocation of resources and investments for security initiatives2. Alignment also helps to establish clear roles and responsibilities for information security across the organization, and to foster a culture of security awareness and accountability3. Therefore, alignment is essential for optimizing security risk management, which is the process of balancing the protection of information assets with the business objectives and risk appetite of the organization4. References = 1: CISM Exam Content Outline | CISM Certification | ISACA 2: CISM_Review_Manual Pages 1-30 - Flip PDF Download | FlipHTML5 3: CISM 2020: Information Security & Business Process Alignment 4: CISM Review Manual 15th Edition, Chapter 2, Section 2.1