Of the following, what is the FIRST step when developing an information security program?

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (250–350 words)

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According to EC-Council CCISO documentation, the first and most critical step in developing an information security program is to assess. CCISO materials emphasize that without understanding the current state of security, risks, assets, and maturity, any design or deployment effort is likely to be ineffective or misaligned.

The assessment phase includes evaluating existing controls, identifying threats and vulnerabilities, understanding regulatory requirements, and determining the organization’s risk posture. CCISO training stresses that this step provides the factual foundation needed for informed decision-making at the executive level.

Design (Option A) cannot occur effectively without assessment data. Execution (Option B) and deployment (Option C) are later lifecycle stages that depend on proper planning and design. CCISO guidance aligns this approach with ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST risk management processes, which all begin with assessment.

Thus, Option D is the correct answer.