Cybersecurity
Data Breach
Definition
A data breach is a security violation in which sensitive, protected or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen or used by an individual unauthorized to do so.
Why It Matters
Data breaches can have devastating consequences for both individuals and organizations, including financial loss, identity theft, reputational damage, and legal penalties.
Contextual Example
A large retail company suffers a data breach when hackers exploit a vulnerability in their website and steal a database containing the names, email addresses, and credit card numbers of millions of customers.
Common Misunderstandings
- Data breaches are often caused by a combination of technical vulnerabilities and human error.
- Many jurisdictions have laws that require organizations to notify affected individuals in the event of a data breach involving personal information.