Which executive order established the Department of Homeland Security as a Cognizant Security Agency (CSA)?

• A. EO 12829
• B. EO 13691
• C. EO 12345
• D. EO 99999

Answer: (B)

A Cognizant Security Agency is the organization designated to oversee the protection of classified information for a specific department and its contractors under the National Industrial Security Program. The executive order that established DHS in this role clarified security responsibilities for DHS programs and contractors, designating the Department of Homeland Security as the CSA for its own security program. This makes DHS responsible for implementing and enforcing the NISP within its domain, ensuring consistent protection of classified information across DHS components and external partners. The other options either set up the National Industrial Security Program at a broader level or address unrelated classification policies, so they do not designate DHS as the CSA.