The CEO of an organization is concerned that there are inconsistencies in the way information assets are classified across the enterprise. Which of the following is be the BEST way for the CIO to…

Including data assets in an IT inventory is a practical step, but it doesn't automatically ensure consistent classification or address the underlying governance issues causing inconsistencies.

Identifying data owners is an important component of data governance, but it's a specific action within a broader data governance framework, not the comprehensive solution itself.

Enterprise risk assessments identify data-related risks, but they don't inherently create or enforce consistent data classification standards; that falls under governance.

Enterprise data governance provides the framework, policies, and processes for managing data as a strategic asset across the entire organization. Implementing data governance would establish standardized data classification schemes, assign clear responsibilities for data management (including ownership), and ensure consistent application of rules, thereby directly resolving inconsistencies in how information assets are classified.