After eradicating malware, what is the next step Alika should take during the validation process?

After eradicating malware, the next logical step during the validation process is patching. This is because, once the malware has been removed, it is crucial to close any vulnerabilities that the malware may have exploited to gain access to the system. Patching involves applying updates to software, operating systems, and applications to address security flaws and enhance the system's resilience against potential future attacks.

By ensuring that all software is up to date with the latest security patches, Alika can help prevent the same type of malware from reinfecting the system or new vulnerabilities from being exploited. It's an essential part of maintaining security hygiene within IT systems.

While isolation and monitoring are also important components of a comprehensive security strategy, their relevance comes after ensuring that the system is protected through patching. Isolation may have been a measure taken during the initial response to contain the infection, and monitoring would be an ongoing process to detect any signs of further intrusions, but it's patching that specifically addresses vulnerabilities that need immediate attention post-eradication. Rebooting can also be part of the process, especially if changes have been made to the system, but it does not address the underlying security issues like patching does.