An external assessment of network vulnerability is a process of identifying and evaluating the weaknesses and risks that affect the security and availability of a network from an outsider's perspective. The most important factor to verify during this process is the completeness of network asset inventory, which is a list of all the devices, systems, and software that are connected to or part of the network. A complete and accurate network asset inventory can help identify the scope and boundaries of the network, the potential attack vectors and entry points, the critical assets and dependencies, and the existing security controls and gaps. Without a complete network asset inventory, an external assessment of network vulnerability may miss some important assets or vulnerabilities, leading to inaccurate or incomplete results and recommendations.
References:
* 1 explains what is an external vulnerability scan and why it is important to have a complete network asset inventory.
* 2 provides a guide on how to conduct a full network vulnerability assessment and emphasizes the importance of knowing the network assets.
* 3 compares internal and external vulnerability scanning and highlights the need for a comprehensive network asset inventory for both types.

Providing security certification for a new system should include an evaluation of the configuration management practices prior to the system's implementation. Configuration management is a process that ensures that the system's components are identified, controlled, and tracked throughout the system's lifecycle.
Configuration management helps to maintain the security and integrity of the system by preventing unauthorized or unintended changes. End-user authorization to use the system in production is not part of security certification, but rather a post-implementation activity that grants access rights to authorized users.
External audit sign-off on financial controls is not part of security certification, but rather a verification activity that ensures that the system complies with financial reporting standards. Testing of the system within the production environment is not part of securitycertification, but rather a validation activity that ensures that the system meets the functional and performance requirements. References:
* CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition, pages 449-4501
* CISA Review Questions, Answers& Explanations Database, Question ID: 2572

Before sending backup drives to an offsite storage facility, the most important thing to do is to encrypt the drive with strong protection standards. This is because encryption ensures effective security where information cannot be intercepted and used to harm the organization or its customers. Encryption also protects the data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion in case the drive is lost, stolen, or damaged during transit or storage. Encryption of backup drives is especially important for public safety organizations that handle sensitive or personally identifiable information, such as medical records, criminal records, or emergency communications12.

The greatest risk associated with having most users with administrator access to an externally facing system containing sensitive data is that users can make unauthorized changes to the system or the data, which could compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system and the data. Users can export application logs, view sensitive data, and install open-licensed software are also risks, but they are not as severe as unauthorized changes. References: ISACA CISA Review Manual 27th Edition Chapter 4