In a scenario requiring visibility into custom object data, what is often the first step?

In scenarios where it's important to establish visibility into custom object data, the first step typically involves adjusting the organization-wide defaults. This setting determines the baseline level of access users have to records for the custom object within the organization. By modifying the organization-wide defaults, administrators can set the visibility for all users and set the foundation for granular sharing rules and access permissions that may follow.

When organization-wide defaults are set to a more restrictive access level, such as Private, it can be necessary to implement additional sharing settings or access rules afterwards to open up visibility while adhering to the organization's data security policies. Conversely, a Public or Public Read Only setting provides broader access right from the start. Understanding the impact of these defaults is critical since they establish the initial trust model for how data is shared across the organization.

While other choices may play a role in managing visibility thereafter, starting with organization-wide defaults provides a strategic foundational layer upon which further access controls and sharing rules can be built.