If an agency does not maintain a network diagram, what could be a potential issue?

When an agency does not maintain a network diagram, audit difficulties are a significant concern. A network diagram serves as a visual representation of the agency's network, illustrating how various systems and components interconnect. Without it, auditors may struggle to understand the structure and flow of data within the network, making it challenging to perform a thorough and effective audit.

Audit processes often require detailed knowledge of the network layout, including the locations of hardware, connections, and how data is transmitted. This understanding is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, verifying compliance with security protocols, and ensuring that data is stored and transmitted safely. If auditors cannot easily see how the network is configured, it can lead to incomplete audits, increased time spent on assessments, and potentially overlooked risks that could compromise the agency's security posture.

While the other options involve potential issues that an agency could face, none directly highlight the critical connection between a network diagram and the audit process as clearly as audit difficulties do.