Which organization provides overall policy for the information security program?

The correct answer is the National Security Council (NSC), which plays a central role in shaping and coordinating national security policy, including information security. The NSC advises the President on matters of national security and oversees the implementation of policies across various government agencies, ensuring that they align with the overarching strategic goals.

In the context of information security, the NSC is responsible for approving policies that govern the protection of information and systems vital to national security. This includes establishing frameworks for securing classified information, cybersecurity measures, and the protection of critical infrastructure from threats.

Understanding the role of the other organizations: the National Security Agency (NSA) primarily focuses on signals intelligence and cybersecurity capabilities, rather than overall information security policy. The Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) provides oversight for the classification and declassification of government information, but does not establish the overarching policy itself. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)) has a role in defense intelligence but does not cover the entire government policy landscape regarding information security.

Thus, the NSC's role is pivotal in coordinating across agencies and shaping the comprehensive policy framework that governs information security practices across the government.