Which of the following measures helps to prevent the spread of damage from a compromised system?

The measure that helps to prevent the spread of damage from a compromised system is to physically remove it from the network. This action effectively isolates the compromised system, cutting off any potential communication with other devices or systems. By immediately disconnecting a system suspected of being compromised, organizations can prevent malware or malicious actors from spreading to adjacent systems, databases, or any connected infrastructure.

This physical disconnection is crucial in incident response, as it halts any ongoing unauthorized data transfers, lateral movements within the network, or attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in other connected devices. It essentially acts as a firewall that prevents further damage while the compromised system is assessed and remediated.

Other options, while they may contribute to overall system security, do not directly address the immediate need for isolating a compromised system to prevent further damage. For instance, deleting unnecessary files or performing system upgrades can enhance security and performance but do not provide an immediate barrier against the spread of a compromise. Similarly, limiting access to critical systems is a good security practice but may not effectively isolate a compromised system that is already spreading damage.