What immediate action should a cybersecurity analyst take if an employee is targeted by a suspicious email claiming to be from a new colleague?

The immediate action of isolating the employee's system and conducting a thorough security scan is critical in this scenario. When an employee receives a suspicious email, especially one that pretends to be from a new colleague, there is a potential risk of phishing or other malicious activities aimed at compromising sensitive information or gaining unauthorized access to the organization's systems.

By isolating the employee's system, the cybersecurity analyst can prevent any potential malware from spreading to other systems or the network. This step is vital to contain any threat that may already be present and protects the integrity of other systems and data within the organization. Conducting a thorough security scan afterward ensures that any malicious software or indicators of compromise can be identified and addressed promptly, minimizing the risk of data breaches or other cybersecurity incidents.

Taking these steps helps maintain a proactive security posture and reinforces the importance of swift action in response to potential threats in the digital environment.