What is the best mitigation technique to contain the spread of a worm throughout the network?

Isolating hosts on separate network segments is the most effective mitigation technique for containing the spread of a worm throughout a network. This approach limits the ability of a worm or any other type of malware to move from one device to another within the network. By segmenting the network, individual sections can be secured and monitored for malicious activity, reducing the risk of a widespread outbreak.

This technique creates barriers that prevent the worm from accessing other systems, effectively containing it to a limited area until it can be eradicated. In addition, if a worm does manage to infect one segment, the segmented structure ensures that it does not easily propagate to the entire network.

While implementing a strong firewall can help block certain types of traffic, it may not be sufficient on its own to stop the lateral movement of a worm that exploits vulnerabilities within a local network. Data encryption protocols primarily protect data in transit but do not directly address the issue of malware propagation. Regularly updating software and operating systems helps prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities, but once a worm is present, containment through segmentation is crucial for limiting its spread.