What does “data breach” refer to?

The term “data breach” specifically refers to an incident in which unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive, protected, or confidential data. This can occur through various means such as hacking, insider threats, or accidental exposure. The critical aspect of a data breach is the unauthorized access and the potential for misuse or compromise of data that is intended to be kept confidential, such as personal information, financial records, or corporate secrets.

In the context of data security, recognizing what constitutes a data breach is essential for implementing preventive measures and incident response strategies. Other options presented do not reflect the definition of a data breach; instead, they pertain to authorized processes or maintenance activities that, while important for security management, do not involve unauthorized access to sensitive data. Understanding this distinction is crucial for professionals working in data protection and cybersecurity.