What is the purpose of isolating affected systems during an incident?

Isolating affected systems during an incident primarily serves to limit damage and secure the remaining network. When a breach or other security incident occurs, affected systems may be compromised and can potentially allow the threat to spread to other devices or areas within the network. By isolating these systems, organizations can contain the incident, preventing the attacker from moving laterally through the network and securing unaffected resources.

This action helps to protect valuable data and maintain the integrity of the operational environment while incident response teams assess the situation. Additionally, containment allows for a more focused investigation into the nature of the threat without further risk of escalation. The prompt isolation of compromised systems is a fundamental step in incident management, supporting both immediate containment and long-term recovery efforts.