When assessing an organization's adherence to information security policies, what should the compliance officer determine first?

The primary focus when assessing an organization's adherence to information security policies should begin with the formal assignment of security responsibilities. This is foundational because without clearly designated individuals responsible for overseeing security measures, an organization cannot effectively implement or enforce its information security policies.

Assigning specific roles ensures accountability, allowing for a structured approach to manage compliance and security governance. Once individuals are designated as responsible for security, it becomes possible to create a culture of responsibility and awareness within the organization. From there, further actions, such as developing training programs, reviewing policies, and testing physical security, can be effectively carried out with clear oversight.

While the other options are important components of a comprehensive security strategy, they rely on the prior establishment of accountability. For instance, if no individual is assigned security responsibilities, any employee awareness programs or policy reviews may lack direction or authority, leading to ineffective implementation. Thus, starting with a formal assignment of security responsibility is a critical first step in ensuring organizational compliance with information security policies.