What does the term ‘data breach’ refer to?

The term ‘data breach’ specifically refers to an incident where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive or protected data. This can involve personal information, financial records, or any other form of confidential information that an organization holds. The key aspect of a data breach is that it involves a violation of security measures that are in place to protect this data, resulting in its exposure to those who should not have access to it. Understanding this concept is crucial as it highlights the risks associated with inadequate security practices and the potential consequences of such breaches, including financial loss, legal repercussions, and damage to an organization's reputation.

In contrast, other choices describe different scenarios. For example, permanently deleting data is not a data breach; rather, it is intended as a means of data lifecycle management. Security measures refer to the protocols established to prevent breaches, and methods for securely storing information address how data is safeguarded but do not pertain to unauthorized access. Focusing on unauthorized access to sensitive data is essential for recognizing vulnerabilities in an organization’s data protection practices.