What is a critical step when assessing requirement 6.5 regarding secure coding techniques?

Reviewing software development policies and procedures is essential when assessing requirement 6.5 related to secure coding techniques because this requirement emphasizes the need for organizations to incorporate security into their software development lifecycle. By examining the policies and procedures, assessors can determine whether the organization has established guidelines that promote secure coding practices, such as code reviews, security testing, and adherence to industry standards.

This process ensures that developers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to write secure code, thereby reducing vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malicious actors. Without a thorough review of these policies, it would be challenging to verify that secure coding techniques are being correctly implemented throughout the development process.

The other options do not directly address the core requirement of incorporating secure coding techniques. Testing hardware configurations, while important for overall security, does not pertain specifically to the coding practices. Purchasing new software licenses relates to software acquisition rather than ensuring secure development practices. Implementing user training programs can be valuable for general security awareness but does not specifically target the coding aspects evaluated under requirement 6.5.