An asset owner is a designated individual or role within an organization who holds formal accountability for the protection, value, and strategic management of a specific asset throughout its lifecycle. In cybersecurity, this responsibility primarily covers information assets such as sensitive data, critical applications, and IT systems, as well as supporting physical infrastructure. The asset owner makes key decisions regarding the asset's classification, acceptable use policies, and the implementation of appropriate security controls to safeguard against unauthorized access or compromise.

Asset owners play a central role in governance, compliance, and privacy frameworks by defining security requirements, participating in risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to internal policies and regulatory mandates including data protection laws. They articulate the asset's business value, identify associated risks, and establish acceptable risk tolerance levels, directly influencing resource allocation for security measures. Their involvement is essential for maintaining a resilient cybersecurity posture and demonstrating due diligence in protecting organizational assets.