When implementing Internet Protocol security (IPsec) architecture, the servers involved in application delivery communicate via Transport Layer Security (TLS), which is a protocol that provides encryption and authentication for data transmitted over a network. IPsec operates at the network layer and provides security for IP packets, while TLS operates at the transport layer and provides security for TCP connections. Blocking authorized users from unauthorized activities, channeling access only through the public-facing firewall, and channeling access through authentication are not functions of IPsec architecture. References: CISA Review Manual (Digital Version), Chapter 5, Section 5.4.2

Control self-assessment (CSA) is a technique that enables business managers and staff to assess and improve the effectiveness of their own controls and risk management processes. CSA can best enable the timely identification of risk exposure, as it allows for continuous monitoring and reporting of risks by those who are closest to the business processes and activities. External audit review, internal audit review, and stress testing are also useful methods for identifying risk exposure, but they are not as timely as CSA, as they are performed periodically or on demand by external or internal parties who may not have as much insight into the business operations and environment. References: ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition, page 95.

Clear criteria ensure a consistent, rational approach to risk acceptance decisions, demonstrating management's deliberate and informed approach to risk management.
References
ISACA CISA Review Manual (Current Edition) - Chapter on Risk Management Risk Management Frameworks (e.g., ISO 31000, NIST SP 800-39) - Emphasize the importance of defined risk assessment and decision-making processes.

A quality assurance (QA) team is a group of professionals who are responsible for ensuring that the products or services of an organization meet the quality standards and expectations of customers and stakeholders1. A QA team performs various activities, such as:
Planning, designing, and executing quality tests and audits to verify the quality of the products or services1 Identifying, analyzing, and reporting quality issues, defects, or non-conformities1 Recommending and implementing corrective and preventive actions to resolve quality problems and prevent recurrence1 Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the quality processes and improvements1 Establishing and maintaining quality documentation, records, and reports1 Providing quality training, guidance, and support to the staff and management1 One of the primary responsibilities of a QA team is to implement procedures to facilitate adoption of quality management best practices. Quality management best practices are the methods, techniques, or tools that have been proven to be effective in achieving and maintaining high-quality standards in an organization2. Some examples of quality management best practices are:
Adopting a customer-focused approach that aims to meet or exceed customer requirements and satisfaction2 Implementing a process approach that manages the interrelated activities as a coherent system2 Applying continuous improvement methods that seek to enhance the performance and value of the products or services2 Using evidence-based decision making that relies on factual data and information2 Developing a culture of engagement and empowerment that involves and motivates the people in the organization2 By implementing procedures to facilitate adoption of quality management best practices, a QA team can help the organization achieve the following benefits:
Improve the quality and reliability of the products or services2
Reduce the costs and risks associated with poor quality or non-compliance2 Increase the customer loyalty and retention2 Enhance the reputation and competitiveness of the organization2 Foster a culture of excellence and innovation in the organization2 The other options are not primary responsibilities of a QA team. Creating test data to facilitate the user acceptance testing (UAT) process is a task that can be performed by a QA team, but it is not their main duty. UAT is a process in which the end users test the product or service to ensure that it meets their needs and expectations before it is released or deployed3. A QA team can create test data to simulate real-world scenarios and conditions for UAT, but they are not directly involved in conducting UAT. Managing employee onboarding processes and background checks is not a responsibility of a QA team. Employee onboarding is a process in which new hires are integrated into the organization, while background checks are screenings that verify the identity, credentials, and history of potential employees4. These processes are usually handled by the human resources department or an external agency, not by a QA team. Advising the steering committee on quality management issues and remediation efforts is not a primary responsibility of a QA team. A steering committee is a group of senior executives or managers who provide strategic direction, oversight, and support for a project or program5. A QA team can advise the steering committee on quality management issues and remediation efforts, but they are not accountable for making decisions or implementing actions. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
References:
Quality Assurance Team: Roles & Responsibilities
What are the Best Practices in Quality Management?
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): A Complete Guide
Employee Onboarding Process: Definition & Best Practices
What Is A Steering Committee? - The Basics

This directly addresses the gap for new hires, creates a consistent expectation regardless of hiring date, and formalizes the process within organizational policy.
References
ISACA CISA Review Manual (Current Edition) - Chapters on Information Security Policies, Training and Awareness Industry Best Practices for Security Awareness - Emphasize the importance of timely and comprehensive training for new employees.