Best Course of Action to Address Audit Findings

B.

The best course of action to address the audit findings that critical patches were not implemented within the timeline established by policy without a valid reason is to assess the patch management process (Option D).

Explanation: Option A, to monitor and notify IT staff of critical patches, does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the failure to implement critical patches in a timely manner.

Option B, to evaluate patch management training, may be useful, but it does not address the immediate issue of critical patches not being implemented in a timely manner.

Option C, to perform regular audits on the implementation of critical patches, is a good idea, but it does not address the immediate issue of critical patches not being implemented in a timely manner.

Option D, to assess the patch management process, is the best course of action because it focuses on identifying the underlying causes of the failure to implement critical patches in a timely manner. By assessing the patch management process, the organization can identify any gaps or weaknesses in the process and take corrective actions to ensure that critical patches are implemented in a timely manner in the future.

In summary, while all the options may be useful, Option D is the best course of action to address the root cause of the issue and prevent it from happening in the future.