Who is the cognizant security office for DOD?

The Cognizant Security Office (CSO) for the Department of Defense (DOD) is typically the Defense Security Service (DSS), which is now part of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The DCSA is responsible for overseeing security clearance processes, industrial security, and ensuring compliance with national security policies across the DOD and its contractors. The CSO plays a critical role in safeguarding classified information and maintaining the integrity of the security framework within the DOD.