Which action is crucial before considering the eradication of malware?

Isolation of the infected system is a critical action that must be taken before attempting to eradicate malware. This step is essential because it prevents the malware from spreading to other systems within the network or affecting additional files and data. By isolating the infected system, security teams can contain the threat and ensure that the malware does not propagate, allowing for a safer, more controlled environment to analyze and eliminate the infection.

Successful eradication of malware requires a thorough understanding of its behavior and impact. If the infected system is not isolated, it risks infecting other systems on the network or leading to further data compromise. This containment step is fundamental to a robust response, as it lays the groundwork for effective incident management and recovery efforts. Without isolation, the efforts to address the malware may be futile, as it could continue to affect other resources during the remediation process.