What activity should an information security manager perform FIRST when assessing the potential impact of new privacy legislation on the organization?

Identifying systems and processes that contain privacy components is the foundational step in assessing the potential impact of new privacy legislation on an organization. By first mapping out where personal information is stored, processed, and transmitted, an information security manager can get a clear picture of the organization's current privacy posture and compliance landscape. This understanding is crucial for evaluating specific areas that might be affected by the new legislation and determining any necessary changes or updates to policies, processes, and security controls.

Starting with this identification phase allows for a more informed approach to subsequent actions, such as developing an operational plan for compliance, restricting data collection, or comparing with international legislation. A thorough inventory of systems and processes containing privacy components serves as the basis for all other compliance-related activities and risk assessments relating to the legislation. Without this baseline understanding, an organization might overlook crucial areas impacted by the new law, leading to potential regulatory breaches or lapses in privacy protection.